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 radiator shroud and cooling fan.
TECH TIP: It is not necessary to remove the radiator for this job unless you need a lot of room to work. Just be careful when removing the fan shroud and crank pulley so as not to damage the radiator. A good way to protect the radiator when removing the shroud (it is a real tight fit) is to cover the engine side of the radiator with a flat piece of cardboard or a fender cover.
REMOVE ACCESSORIES AND TIMING BELT COVERS
^ Harness and connectors as necessary.
^ All exterior drive belts.
^ Compressor drive belt idler bracket, if necessary.
^ 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)