Tools Needed:
- Socket and wrench set
- Timing belt tensioner tool
- New timing belt and tensioner
- Coolant
- Rags/Cleaning materials
1. Park your car and allow the engine to cool down. Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and let the engine cool for several hours or overnight.
2. Disconnect the battery. This is to prevent any electrical accidents while you're working. Use a 10mm wrench to loosen and remove the negative terminal from the battery.
3. Drain the coolant. Place a large catch pan under the radiator and remove the drain bolt on the bottom of the radiator. Let all the coolant drain into the pan.
4. Remove the engine cover. Locate the engine cover held by plastic clips. Carefully pry up on the clips and remove the cover.
5. Set the engine to TDC. Use a wrench or socket to turn the crankshaft until the "0" mark on the harmonic balancer aligns with the timing mark on the timing cover.
6. Remove the timing belt tensioner. Locate the timing belt tensioner on the side of the engine. Use a socket or wrench to loosen the tensioner and remove it from the engine.
7. Remove the old timing belt. Carefully pry off the old timing belt from the gears and remove it. Dispose of the old timing belt properly.
8. Install the new timing belt. Place the new timing belt around the gears on the crankshaft, camshafts, and water pump. Make sure that the belt is seated correctly in the grooves.
9. Reinstall the timing belt tensioner. Slide the tensioner back into place and tighten it using a socket wrench until the tension specified in the service manual is reached.
10. Reconnect the battery. Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery. Make sure it is tight and secure.
11. Refill the coolant. Add new coolant to the radiator until it reaches the "Full" mark on the reservoir.
12. Start the engine. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks from the timing belt or coolant system. Turn the engine off.
13. Double check the timing. Turn the crankshaft two full rotations and re-check the timing marks to ensure they align correctly.
14. Put everything back together. Replace the engine cover and reconnect any disconnected hoses or cables.
Remember, this procedure requires extensive knowledge and expertise. If you're not comfortable performing these steps, it's highly recommended to take your car to a qualified mechanic who can safely and correctly replace the timing belt.
