Timing belts are bands made out of rubber, which are used for the internal combustion of engine. The inner surface of the timing belts will have teeth that correspond with the gears in a specific engine design. Timings belts are very essential in keeping the pistons and valves functioning together properly. The timing belts are very essential in pushing the camshaft before it has reached the complete cycle.
The main purpose of timing belt is to provide flexible connection between the crankshaft and camshaft to allow the valves to open and close during the movements of piston. Sometimes the timing belt will fail completely and will be inoperable. At this point you will have to replace timing belts.
Here are some simple steps on how to replace timing belts.
Things Required:
- Combination wrenches
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Harmonic balance puller
- Screwdrivers
- Timing light
- Drain pan
- Antifreeze
- Jack
- Jack stands
Steps to replace timing belts:
- The first thing you must do while replacing timing belts is disconnect the negative battery cable and take out the distributor cap. Take a crankshaft bolt, rotate the engine until the mark on the timing on the crankshaft is aligned at 0 degrees on the timing scale.
- Check if the distributor rotor is aligned with the mark on index in the distributor housing, which indicates that the rotor is in position to fire the first cylinder. If it is not ready, then you must rotate the engine in one full turn.
- Take out all the components or accessory belts if they are interfering with the removal of timing belt. This process may vary according to the model. If you are having any problems then check it with the service manual to see which parts must be removed.
- Remove the screws and bolts that hold the timing belt in place, and lift open the cover of engine. Some engines will have a two piece timing cover. In that case you will have to check the alignment of camshaft and crankshaft marks.
- Now, you must loosen the tensioner of the timing belt and loosen the mounting bolts that hold the tensioner but never remove it. Check the tensioner for any kind of damage like cracks or dents.
- Slowly spin the tensioner pulley and hear if there is any humming or rattling sound, which would mean that bearings are loose or worn out. The uneven wear of a timing belt would always indicate that there was a misalignment between the timing belt and tension pulley.
- Now, the timing belt will easily slide out of the sprockets. Sometimes they are stuck in the pulley grooves, so to replace the timing belt you will have to pull them with a screwdriver.
- Replacing timing belt: Take the new timing belt and compare it with the old one. Compare things like shape of the belt teeth, spacing between each teeth, and the width. When the belt is off, check the crank and camshaft sprockets for any kind of damage. If there is any damage, then you will have to replace them. Take the new timing belt and carefully slide it into the position.
- Always remember that you must never force the timing belt in the sprockets. If the belt is not going in easily, then check the belt tensioner and ensure that it is fully released.
- Loosen out the bolts that hold the timing belt tensioner and allow it to come in contact with the belt. It is very essential to have a proper timing tension belt. Follow the procedure for your vehicle as mentioned in the service manual.
- Once you have adjusted the belt tension check the timing marks in the crack, cam and accessory sprockets and see if they are still aligned. Take a wrench and attach it on the crankshaft pulley and turn the engine at least twice completely.
- Check the positions of all the timing marks. Now take the timing covers and reinstall them and tighten the screws and bolts that attach to it. Start reinstalling all the drive belts and components that you have removed to gain some access on the timing cover.
- Take the negative battery cable and reconnect it once you are done with the entire procedure of replacing timing belts. Start the engine and see if there is proper operation.
- This is it; you are done with replacing timing belts. This will only take a few hours and you will save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
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