Timing Belt: Service and Repair

Replace timing belt every 60,000 miles or every five years to prevent cylinder head, valve train or piston damage.
1. Remove lefthand front and side undercover.
2. Disconnect and remove cruise control pump and link assembly.
3. Raise and support engine assembly to take weight off engine mounts.

Fig. 34 Timing Belt Replacement. SOHC:

Fig. 35 Removing Engine Support Bracket. SOHC:

Fig. 36 Removing Crankshaft Pulley. SOHC:

4. Remove timing belt in order shown in Fig. 34, noting the following:
a. Disconnect power steering pump and A/C compressor with hoses attached. Support aside with rope or other suitable material.
b. Remove engine mount as outlined under ``Engine Mount, Replace.
c. Remove engine mount bracket in sequence shown in Fig. 35, lubricating reamer bolt indicated by arrow then remove bolt slowly. Reamer bolt is sometimes heat seized on engine support bracket.
d. Remove crankshaft pulley using end yoke holder tool No. MB990767 and crankshaft pulley holder tool No. MB998719, or equivalent, as shown in Fig. 36.
e. Align timing marks prior to timing belt removal.
f. Mark rotation direction on timing belt for installation if belt is to be reused.
g. Loosen timing belt tensioner bolt and turn tensioner counterclockwise and tighten tensioner bolt.
h. Remove timing belt.

Fig. 37 Aligning Timing Marks. SOHC:

Fig. 38 Installing Timing Belt. SOHC:

Fig. 39 Measuring Belt Tension. SOHC:

Fig. 40 Installing Timing Belt Cover. SOHC:

Fig. 41 Engine Support Bracket Installation. SOHC:

5. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Align timing marks on camshaft and crankshaft sprockets, Fig. 37.
b. Install timing belt on crankshaft first, then working counterclockwise position belt over one camshaft sprocket, water pump pulley, other camshaft sprocket then over belt tensioner, Fig. 38.
c. Apply force counterclockwise to rear camshaft sprocket. Ensure timing marks are aligned.
d. Attach front flange then loosen timing belt tensioner bolt and allow tensioner to tighten belt using spring force.
e. Using crankshaft wrench tool No. MD998716, or equivalent, turn crankshaft two turns clockwise.
f. Re-align timing marks and tighten timing belt tensioner bolt to specification.
g. Measure belt tension using a suitable belt tension gauge tool on timing belt opposite side of tensioner, Fig. 39. Belt tension should be 46.3 - 68.3 lb-ft.
h. Install timing cover bolts as shown in Fig. 40.
i. Install engine support bracket bolts in sequence shown in Fig. 41.