1. Preparations
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent electrical accidents.
- Locate the timing belt cover. It is usually located at the front of the engine, below the camshaft cover.
- Remove the timing belt cover bolts and carefully remove the cover.
2. Setting the Engine to Top Dead Center (TDC)
- Rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise using a wrench or a socket until the timing mark on the pulley aligns with the TDC mark on the engine block.
- Verify that the rotor of the distributor is pointing towards the number one spark plug wire.
3. Loosen the Timing Belt Tensioner
- Locate the timing belt tensioner. It is usually a spring-loaded pulley that keeps the timing belt taut.
- Loosen the tensioner bolt or nut to relieve the tension on the timing belt.
4. Remove the Old Timing Belt
- Remove the old timing belt from the crankshaft pulley, camshaft pulley, and any other pulleys it may be wrapped around.
5. Inspect the Timing Belt Components
- Inspect the timing belt, pulleys, and tensioner for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage.
- Replace any worn or damaged components.
6. Installing the New Timing Belt
- Place the new timing belt around the crankshaft pulley, camshaft pulley, and any other pulleys it may need to go around.
- Make sure that the timing marks on the belt align with the timing marks on the pulleys.
7. Tension the Timing Belt
- Tighten the timing belt tensioner bolt or nut to apply tension to the timing belt.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended tension specifications for the timing belt.
8. Check the Timing
- Double-check that the timing marks on the belt are still aligned with the timing marks on the pulleys.
- If necessary, adjust the tension of the timing belt until the timing is correct.
9. Reinstall the Timing Belt Cover
- Reinstall the timing belt cover and secure it with the bolts you removed earlier.
10. Reconnect the Battery
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
11. Start the Engine and Test
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
- Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.
- If everything seems normal, take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure that the timing belt is functioning properly.
Remember, if you are not comfortable working on your car's engine or if you don't have the necessary tools, it's best to consult a professional mechanic for this repair.
