I've got a little over 60K miles on my car, and I figured I'd better replace the timing belt. I've already got the belt ordered, and called the dealer to see how much it would cost to install it. They quoted me about $350 to do it, but I don't have that much cash to spend right now. I was just wondering how hard of an install it is, and if it would be something I could do. I've tried searching for this topic, but I came up with about 3 different ways to change the belt. Any help would be appreciated.

[ February 17, 2003, 11:49 AM: Message edited by: Robert ]

 

It's not hard, just a lot of damn busy work.

You need to remove all the belts, and then you need to remove the plastic cover over the timing belt. To do that, you have to remove a bunch of bolts. To get to those bolts, you have to remove the pullies. (PITA!!!)

 

random ive gotten my plastic timing belt cover without taking any of the pullies off just a couple of elbows and finagling got it off

 

If memory serves me correct, you need to remove the crank pully minimum. YOu also have to remove the waterpump/power steering pump set as there is a bolt behind them. Unless you have a socket extension that is less that .25" tall! I've even tried getting it out with a long handled wrench, only to hit the back of the pully with the long bolt.

 

Just pull the bitch off, brake the plastic and leave it off smile.gif

 

Ok, I finally found a shop here in town that would change the belt for me at a pretty reasonable price. They changed the belt this morning, but now I've got a problem. The belt or something is making a loud squelling sound, almost like a turbo or supercharger sound I guess. The mechanic told me that he put everything back according to specs, and that the belt probably just needs to stretch a little. Is this true, or is it something more serious. I need help quick because I've got to leave town to go back to work in the morning, and I don't want to be stranded out on the highway somewhere.

[ February 17, 2003, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: Robert ]

 

Umm the belt shouldn't squeal it is a cogged belt. Maybe an alternator or power steering pulley that's too loose.

 

i had never taken any of my pullies off,... if memory serves me i used an elbow extension 2 get some of the wierd bolts off... and perhaps a resevoir or something i forget what, but i painted mine A LONG time ago before i would have even attempted 2 take a pulley off

 

I'm doing this as I type and it seems Tony is right...

I can't figure out how to get the damn lower half of the timing belt cover off without taking the crank pulley off...

and HOW THE HELL do you get the damn crank pulley off...
Webtech's got some cool Red X's to look at for the past week, but I am starting to think I am doing something wrong rather than just wrnech it off (lefty, loosey,, ..right?)

I've got two guys, one pulling on the crank pulley bolt and the other counter with a breaker bar extension and socket on the cam pulley up top..

idler and tensioner are still on..

I can't seem to break the damn crank pulley bolt, no matter the man power. Tried some PB Blaster too..

Is there supposed to be a "certain" way to get the damn crank pulley bolt off or is manpower just not enough. I have no air tools but can maybe get some..

I'm also starting to think maybe lefty isn't loosey? I've heard sometimes they design certain pulley bolts to be the opposite to resist coming loose with inertial force during normal driving..

But the crank pullet spins CLOCKWISE when in rotation right?

..help =(

-Patrick