The timing belt is a crucial component of a running engine, tasked with turning the camshaft(s) in precise alignment with the crankshaft. It may seem complicated, but timing is essential for mechanical devices like cars, hence the name “timing belt.” Despite its importance, it’s also one of the most difficult engine parts to access and inspect.
Replacing the timing belt at the recommended time or mileage by the carmaker is essential, as damage or wear can cause significant engine problems if left unchecked. However, the cost of having it inspected or replaced by a professional can be steep, with an inspection costing about half the price of a replacement.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money and perform the replacement yourself, especially if you suspect the timing belt is already damaged or past it’s suggested replacement time. As we’ve established, attending to your timing belt issues on time is critical, so here’s how you can change it yourself:
Make sure it’s really your timing belt that has a problem
As previously mentioned, detecting and assessing timing belt problems can be a challenging task. However, ignoring this essential maintenance task could lead to expensive repairs or even engine failure. Car manufacturers set a specific time or mileage for timing belt replacement to help car owners be prepared and avoid difficulties in assessing the situation.
But if you’ve forgotten about the recommended schedule (which unfortunately happens to many car owners), there are still ways to determine if there’s a problem with your timing belt. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Difficulty in starting the engine
- Engine misfire
- Unusual noises
- Visible damage, such as damaged teeth, cracks, misalignment, or a broken base plate
- Oil and coolant leakage
- Excessive aging
If you experience any of these signs, it’s crucial to have your timing belt checked as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re faced with costly repairs. By staying on top of timing belt maintenance, you can ensure your car runs smoothly and avoid any unexpected breakdowns.
Prepare the tools and set up your work area
Before starting the task of changing your timing belt, it is important to prepare adequately. This will ensure that you have enough space for your vehicle, tools, and equipment, and you can move around freely. It is also advisable to keep the work area free of distractions, such as children, pets, and other people.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, it is best to lay out all the tools and replacement parts you need before starting. This can save you time and help you stay focused on the task at hand. Here is a list of the tools you will need to change your timing belt:
- Box of raven gloves
- Cans of brake clean
- Drain pan for coolant
- Floor jack
- Hose clamps
- Jack stands
- Main toolbox
- Mityvac evacuator
- Miscellaneous hand tools
- New timing belt set
- O-ring lubricant
- Piece of wood
- Power tools (including ½ drive electric impact, ⅜ and ¼ electric ratchets, ⅜ mini impact, ¾ drive impact, air filler gauge for tires, and coolant vacuum filler)
- Reel of air hose
- Tarp, big piece of cardboard, or mat to lay under the car
- Threadlocker
- Torque wrench
Disconnect all the electronics
To begin the task, the first step is to disconnect all of the negative battery cables. Once that is done, move on to the distributor cap and start dismantling it. If your car has electronic ignition, you’ll need to locate its top center position and then disconnect it.
Prepare your car
Before you can begin replacing your timing belt, there are several steps you need to take. You’ll need to use a jack to raise the wheel to a suitable height, then place a mat and drain pan beneath the engine.
Next, you’ll need to drain the coolant and remove the engine cover, followed by removing the front passenger-side wheel and the serpentine belt. Finally, you’ll need to remove the power steering fluid and the return hose from the reservoir.
Set the Crankshaft
Using a socket or wrench, rotate the bolt until the timing mark is set at 0 degrees on the timing scale. Locate the crankshaft pulley and remove the bolts that secure it. Use a socket wrench to rotate the crankshaft until the timing marks align. Make sure to refer to your car’s manual to see the exact location of the timing marks.
Check Distributor Rotor
If your car has a distributor rotor, check if it is pointing to the correct position. If not, remove the distributor and adjust it accordingly.
It’s important to ensure that the distributor rotor is properly aligned. If you notice that the index mark is properly matched and aligned, then the cylinder is ready to be fired. However, if it’s not aligned properly, you should give the engine another full turn.
Assess the Timing Belt Cover
To access the timing belt cover, it may be necessary to remove other parts and components that are in the way. Inspect the timing belt cover to see if it is damaged or cracked. If it is, it may need to be replaced. This could include belts or accessories, such as the serpentine belt tensioner. Consult your vehicle repair manual for guidance on how to remove these parts properly.
Remove Timing Belt Cover
To access the timing belt, you may need to remove other components such as the crankshaft pulley, water pump pulley, or tensioner. These may be secured with bolts or screws that you need to remove as well. Once you have removed all the necessary components, you can then carefully remove the timing belt from the engine. Be mindful of any other components that may be attached to the timing belt, such as the timing belt tensioner or idler pulley.
Double-check the timing
Before removing the timing belt, double-check the alignment of the timing marks to ensure that they are still aligned. If they are not, rotate the crankshaft back to the correct position. The timing belt ensures that the crankshaft and camshaft are in sync, which is crucial for proper engine operation. Before replacing the timing belt, it’s important to verify that the crankshaft timing marks are aligned correctly, as indicated in the vehicle repair manual.
You’ll also need to locate the Top Dead Center (TDC) position of the engine, which can be found by using a large ratchet with two extensions to turn the motor by hand. Always make sure you turn the motor in the same direction that it runs to avoid damaging the engine.
Loosen engine mount bracket bolts
To jack up the engine oil pan, roll the jack under the car and place a piece of wood on the jack-up point. Then, carefully jack up the engine oil pan by a little bit, making sure not to damage it. Once the engine is supported, you can proceed to remove the engine mount and loosen the bolts to the engine mount bracket.
This will allow you to move the engine a bit and access the timing belt more easily. However, be sure to follow proper safety precautions and use a sturdy jack and jack stands to support the weight of the vehicle and prevent accidents.
Remove and replace the belt
Prepare yourself for a careful and methodical process when it comes to changing your timing belt. To begin, utilize the tensioner to position the belt loosely so that it may be slid on or off with ease. It’s important to avoid any alterations in the crank rotation during this step. Proper alignment of the timing marks is crucial, and once they are all lined up, you may remove the timing belt.
But, don’t get too hasty just yet. Slowly and cautiously remove the guide pulley (it’s only held on by a single bolt) before removing the belt from each sprocket and pulley. Then, take out the hydraulic tensioner’s two bolts and the roller tensioner’s single bolt. Before installing the new timing belt, be sure to complete a few more steps first:
- Carefully lower the jack while placing another large pan under the engine.
- Remove the water pump.
- Thoroughly clean all surfaces. Once the block has drained completely, utilize an evacuator to remove any visible coolant from the water holes on the block.
When installing the new timing belt, take your time and follow the proper order. Begin with the crank sprocket and continue in a counterclockwise direction, ensuring that the new belt remains taut as you work your way around. Verify that the belt aligns correctly with the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets and that the marks on the belt match those on the sprockets. With a little patience and care, you can replace your timing belt like a pro.
Reassemble your engine
To begin reassembling your engine, start by replacing the hydraulic tensioner in its original position. Then, install all the other components that were removed in the reverse order, starting with the engine mount bracket and metal guide, followed by the timing belt cover.
Before you can celebrate your successful repair, make sure to check a few more things:
- Set up the coolant vacuum filter.
- Add new coolant (remember, you drained it earlier?).
- Install the crank pulley and torque it to 180 ft-lbs.
- Start your car, turn on your heater/air conditioning to full blast, and then crank up your engine. Make sure everything runs smoothly without your car’s temperature rising.
We understand that this process may seem overwhelming or intimidating, especially for those attempting it for the first time. However, with determination and by following the correct procedures without rushing, you can achieve your goal. Remember that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.
Conclusion
Changing your timing belt is an important part of maintaining your car. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you can ensure that your timing belt is working properly and your engine is running smoothly. Remember to always consult your service manual and take your time to avoid mistakes.