|
| |
Timing Belt Replacement
For Front wheel drive vehicles
This is basic procedure and may have to be modified
for you exact vehicle. See legal.
This is a simple "how to" or tip page.
However it is STRONGLY suggest that a repair manual be purchased prior to attempting
this job. It is assumed that you have a decent knowledge of automotive tools and
terms, and are not a total novice.
Most front wheel drive vehicles spec a
maximum of60,000 to 80,000 miles
between replacement. Don’t try to stretch the mileage as it could cost
you more in the long run.
You will need the minimum of the following tools
a. 1/2 in drive Metric socket set with breaker bar
b. A set of 3/8 drive metric deep sockets and a standard set of metric sockets
up to and including a 17mm (this should be 1/2 in drive).
c. A set of metric wrenches (combination types work best)
d. A Floor jack to lift the car and the engine.
e. Use jack stands to hold the car, then you can use the jack and an 8” piece
of 2x6 to raise the engine slightly for the mount removal.
Terminology:
SOHC = Single Overhead Cam
DOHC = Double Overhead Cam
TDC = Top Dead Center
Follow the steps below as they apply to your particular vehicle.
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Set the rear parking brake and block the wheels.
3. Jack the front of the car, install jack stands, and remove the right front
wheel and tire.
4. Position the engine at TDC on the #1 piston.
5. From under the car, remove both the left and right splash shields.
6. Place the jack, that you used above in step 3, and place it under the oil
pan. Place the wooden block on it to protect the pan from damage in the
following step.
7. Positioned the jack under the oil pan and jack it up until it just take the
weight off the engine mounts.
8. Remove the right motor mount from the bridge and then remove the support
bracket.
9. Now, lower the engine, with the jack, until you can get a socket (17mm), with
the 1/2 in. breaker bar attached, onto the crankshaft pulley bolt. If you have a
SOHC engine then four additional bolts must be removed.
10. If the vehicle has a standard transmission, place it in high gear and break
the center bolt loose. Tip. A quick way to loosen the large center bolt,
is to place the socket on the bolt and the breaker bar on the floor forward of
the engine. Now, hook up the battery; take out of gear and just TAP the starter.
This WILL loosen the bolt. NOTE: Re-align the crankshaft to TDC with the #1
piston.
11. Once the bolt(s) is(are) out take two LARGE screwdrivers (or pry bars if you
have them) and place them between the pulley and the engine and pry off the
pulley.
12. Remove the timing belt covers (or cover on the SOHC).
13. If working on the DOHC models it will be necessary to remove the exhaust
manifold heat shield. If you have headers disregard this step.
14. On the DOHC modesl remove the power steering pump. DO NOT disconnect the
hoses.
15. Loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt. Do not remove the tensioner, you can
move it by placing a metric Allen wrench in
the hole in the tensioner pulley.
16.
If you got excited and removed the belt already or if it broke or skipped
then go to step 17. if not continue here in 16 and 16a.
Optional: If your water pump is driven by your timing belt then this a
good time to change the water pump. If it is driven by an external belt, then
jump to step #16a. To replace the
pump it is best to have the new one ready to go. Loosen the bolts holding the
pump. With the tensioner loose you should be able to slip a piece of wire
between the pump sprocket and the old belt. Do not turn the engine or permit the
engine or cam to turn. Use the wire to hold the belt back by tying it off, it
may take 2 spaced a coupe of lugs apart. Finish removing the old pump. Slip the
new pump in place and tighten it down. Release the wire.
16a. Assuming that this replacement was routine maintenance and not replacing an
already broken or slipped belt then your crank and cam are in sync so do not
remove the timing belt. Instead,
using a razor knife, split the belt in half lengthwise so that you have 2 narrow
belts. Now remove the outer ˝ belt. This will provide you with enough exposed
pulley to slip on the new belt while the second ˝ is holding your timing in
sync, regardless of where they are and even if they are not lined up with the
marks. When the new belt is installed halfway over the crank, cam, water pump,
idler and tensioner sprockets (if applicable). Next use a pair of side cutters
to snip the remaining half of the old belt, pull it out
and slip the new belt the rest of the way onto the sprockets.
Now skip to step #21.
17. If you jumped ahead and skipped step # 16 and have already removed the belt
then follow the balance of these steps. Now
we will install the new belt by first aligning the notch on the crankshaft
sprocket with the triangle mark on the front of the engine. (SOHC and DOHC are
the same)
18. Now align the cam(s). On the DOHC model the cams have an alignment mark on
each. These should be facing each other (inboard) and aligned with the machined
surface of the top of the cylinder head. On the SOHC model the camshaft dowel
pin is positioned at 12 o clock and the alignment mark is at 9 o’clock. It is
possible that the marks are not in PERFECT alignment. You may have to move the
cam slightly to achieve alignment.
19. Install the new timing belt over the crankshaft sprocket, water pump,
tensioner and idler pulleys.
20. Slip the belt over the camshaft sprocket(s). Keep tension on the side
nearest the front of the engine on the DOHC models. On the SOHC keep the tension
on the side by the firewall.
21. Loosen the tensioner bolt and allow the tensioner to apply pressure to the
belt and then tighten it to the required torque. Torque value 31 ft/lb on most
engines.
22.Double check to make sure that all lugs are fully situated in the sprockets.
SLOWLY turn the crankshaft TWO complete revolutions by hand. Recheck the
alignment marks for the same alignment as before. If not, then readjust the belt
as needed by releasing the tensioner again, tighten when aligned and repeat the
above turns. DO NOT attempt to start the engine until you are CERT AIN that the
belt is properly installed.
23. Reinstall the remaining parts in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE #2: This is also a good time to replace your crankshaft pulley if it is
worn.
24. Now run the engine and check the operation.
|
