Timing Belt: Service and Repair

Timing Belt Components, Exploded View:

EXPLODED VIEW OF TIMING BELT COMPONENTS

Refer to the above illustration for removal and installation details, if necessary.


PREPARATION

Crank Pulley TDC Marks:

^ Set engine to #1 TDC.
^ Remove lower engine shroud.
^ Remove right front wheel and engine compartment cover.
^ Have engine sling ready to use.


REMOVE ACCESSORIES AND TIMING BELT COVERS

^ Harness and connectors as necessary.
^ All exterior drive belts.
^ A/C compressor and power steering brackets if equipped
^ Right side engine mount.
^ Water pump pulley
^ Crank pulley.
^ Upper and lower outer timing belt covers.

REMOVE TIMING BELT


^ Verify engine is still at #1 TDC. Temporarily install crank pulley bolt and rotate crank if necessary. Refer to alignment marks.

Cam Gear Timing Mark Locations (Two Possible Styles):

Cam And Crank Timing Marks:

NOTE: Two different cam pulley styles are used. Verify which one is on the car before proceeding.

Removing And Installing Belt Tensioner:

^ Loosen tensioner pulley using the proper wrench. Some years used Allen type while others used Torx type. Retract it and temporarily tighten the hold-down bolts.

CHECK

^ Condition of timing belt idler pulley. If there is any roughness to bearing or pulley surface, replace it.
^ Water pump for leakage or bearing problems. If any problems are found, replace the pump.

INSTALLING TIMING BELT


^ Verify that engine is still at #1 TDC.
^ If the timing belt idler was removed, replace it noting the position of the wrap-up spring.
^ Retract idler pulley and temporarily tighten the hold-down bolts.

Timing Belt Tensioner Installation:

Cam And Crank Timing Marks:

CAUTION: If the belt has an "arrow" painted on the smooth side, it is a directional belt. If so, be sure to install the belt so the "arrow" is pointing toward the front timing belt cover.

^ Position the new timing belt by aligning the white marks of the belt with the punchmarks on the sprockets.

SETTING TIMING BELT TENSION


^ Loosen the tensioner hold-down bolts just enough so the tensioner can move.
^ Turn the crankshaft clockwise at least two full times and position on #1 TDC again. This will automatically set the proper tension on the belt.
^ Tighten the hold-down bolts on the tensioner.
^ Verify the belt cannot be twisted more than 90 degrees at the mid-point of the long side. If not, retrace your steps.

INSTALLATION OF BELT COVERS AND ACCESSORIES


^ Installation is the reverse of removal. Note the following:

- Be sure to get timing cover bolts correctly placed.
- Torque crank pulley bolt to 90-98 lbs/ft (123-132 Nm).