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.
TECH TIP: It is not absolutely necessary to remove the distributor to do this job. It can, however, get in the way when removing accessory brackets. If you do remove it, make sure to scribe alignment marks for installation. The distributor is gear driven and space is tight, so it is easy to get it a tooth or two off.
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)