Is it particularly hard to remove the timing belt cover to inspect it? I don't know the last time my t-belt was replaced, but it was before I bought the car. I would rather leave it until I swap, but I also don't want a nasty surprise. My car runs fantastic right now so I wouldn't want a broken timing belt to ruin my engine. Would I be able to tell if it needs replacing just from looking at it?

 

Anybody? It kind of looks like you need to take the valve cover off to get the timing belt cover off. As far as I know there are 2 bolts that need to come off and then the cover should come off. Any tips?

 

there is 4 nuts to take off the valve cover.then two 10 mm bolts and the cover comes off.look for cracks on the ribbed side of the belt.

 

You need to lift up the Valve Cover to pull off that TB Cover since it as a sort of lip that fits into the Valve Cover.

 

Damn. I was hoping that wasn't the case. Can I just loosen it? I really don't want to take off the valve cover.

 

ummm. no. you have to remove the valve cover and upper timing belt cover. c'mon it'll take 10 seconds, and just replace the belt if you're unsure of the condition.

 

when you take off the valve cover just cover the valves w/a clean towel
. if that timing belt is old you really want to check it. bad belt = bent valves usually. i hope you don't have to change it but if you do you might as well change you water pump tensioner pulley spring and anything else that's going to require you to remove the timing belt that is a wear item