Timing Belt: Service and Repair
Removal1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Detach the coolant expansion tank.
- Remove the bolt and lay the expansion tank to one side.
3. Detach the power steering reservoir and lay it to one side.
4. Slacken the drive belt and remove it.
- Turn the belt tensioner clockwise.
5. Raise the vehicle.
6. Remove the drive belt cover.
7. Remove the crankshaft pulley/vibration damper.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. CAUTION: Do not pull on the cable when removing the spark plug connector. If necessary remove the ignition coil plug to avoid bending the cable. Turn the spark plug connector slightly before removing to loosen the gasket.
CAUTION: Pull off the spark plug connector in a straight movement.
Disconnect the High Tension (HT) leads from the spark plugs.
- Remove the two ignition wire separators from the valve cover.
10. Remove the spark plugs (shown with engine removed).
11. Place trolley jack with a wooden block under the oil pan and raise slowly until the front engine mounting is free from strain.
12. Remove the front engine mounting.
13. Remove the timing belt cover.
14. Remove the front engine mounting bracket (shown with engine removed).
15. Align the timing marks.
16. Remove the timing belt.
1. Use an 8 mm Allen wrench and turn counter clockwise 1/4 turn.
2. Insert a 3 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit to lock the timing belt tensioner in place.
- Remove the timing belt.
Installation
1. Check the alignment of the timing mark on the crankshaft timing belt pulley.
2. Check the alignment of the timing mark on the camshaft timing belt pulley.
3. Install the timing belt.
1. Install the timing belt over the pulleys in a counter clockwise direction starting at the crankshaft.
- Keep the belt span from the crankshaft to the camshaft tight while installing the timing belt over the camshaft.
2. Remove the 3 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit to release the timing belt tensioner.
4. Turn the crankshaft at least two turns in clockwise direction to TDC position for cylinder one.
5. Check the alignment of the timing marks. If the alignment is not correct repeat the previous steps.
6. Install the front engine mounting bracket (shown with engine removed).
7. Install the timing belt cover (shown with engine removed).
8. Install the front engine mounting.
9. Remove the trolley jack.
10. Install the spark plugs (shown with engine removed).
11. CAUTION: Use a blunt object (for example plastic cable tie) to apply the silicone grease, to avoid damaging the spark plug connector seal.
CAUTION: Push on the spark plug connector in a straight movement.
NOTE: Coat the inside of the spark plug connector with silicone grease to a depth of 5 - 10 mm.
Push on the spark plug connector until it engages.
12. Raise the vehicle.
13. Install the crankshaft pulley/vibration damper.
- Position the drive belt on the crankshaft pulley.
14. Install the drive belt cover.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Install the drive belt.
17. Install the power steering reservoir.
18. Install the coolant expansion tank.
19. Connect the battery negative leads.