My car is now at 88,855 miles and acording to what I've heard its time to replace the Timming belt.

How difficult is this procedure?
should it be done by a professional shop or is it something that can be easily done?
if so what parts and tools would I need?

all experiences and input on this topic anyone?

 

You can do it yourself if you have some patience.

You need put a jack with a wood block under the oil pan to support the engine. And jack it up a bit.

Also you'll have to use an Impact gun to remove the crank pulley. Be sure to not to loose the key to it.

Then remove the engine mount on that side after you have supported the engine and releaved the tension off the mount.

Those are the most important steps, I think. You'll be able to figure out the rest.

Check out http://www.c-speedracing.com/h...t.php

for more details and pics.

 

You'll likely need more than just an impact wrench. You'll probably need a big impact wrench. Or, a big breaker bar with a big pipe extention. The crankshaft pulley is a bish.

--
Bruno

 

or a strong impact gun

 

impact gun is thx. I dont know the torq spec for the hondas but if its anything like a toyota its in the 280 ft/lbs range. when I can't use a impact gun I use my breaker bar with my jack handle to budge it.

 

I think if you have to ask, then better off pay someone to do it or have a friend who knows what he is doing help you out.

 

impact gun, PB blaster. Also make sure everything lines up.

 

It really is a simple process if you know how to work on cars. It took me 10 minutes, with a few breaks in between for the compressor to catch up, with an impact gun. the belt itself is easy. Just make sure everything is perfectly lined up (as said ^ there).

 

I don't mind doing a timing belt... they really aren't THAT bad. Be prepared though... this is not a 1 - 2 hour job. If this is your first one... plan on spending some SERIOUS time under your car. Also the impact gun is a must IMHO.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by G2LSS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It really is a simple process if you know how to work on cars. It took me 10 minutes, with a few breaks in between for the compressor to catch up, with an impact gun. the belt itself is easy. Just make sure everything is perfectly lined up (as said ^ there).</TD></TR></TABLE>
Dude, you are the fastest mechanic I have ever met, 10 minutes to do a timing belt?. It takes me 30 minutes if I am hauling *** to do a B-series timing belt.

 

don't forget the waterpump while you're in there.

 

maybe he was embelishing a little with the 10 minute remark

 

Do you think a electric 240ft/lb impact wrench will be enough to get the crank bolt off?

 

I didn't use an impact wrench and I got it off easily. I bought the $60 crank tool to hold the pulley still and used a regular 1/2 inch drive ratchet to take the bolt off. Get 2 5mm punches to hold the cams steady at tdc. Its pretty straightforward but will take some work. There's a reason shops charge $200-400 in labor to put in the $30-50 timing belt.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MachAF &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you think a electric 240ft/lb impact wrench will be enough to get the crank bolt off?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I doubt it. I have the Snap-on 1/2" electric impact, and it's great for swapping wheels, but it won't take off most crank pulley bolts. My 3/4" Matco air impact gun is my weapon of choice for crank pulley bolts.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by b19coupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I doubt it. I have the Snap-on 1/2" electric impact, and it's great for swapping wheels, but it won't take off most crank pulley bolts. My 3/4" Matco air impact gun is my weapon of choice for crank pulley bolts.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i have the same snap-on impact gun in 1/2 in. and it works great for me on the crack pulley

 

if i remeber correctly the crank bolt is only 130 ft-lbs.. so yes i assume that electric one will work.. a ratchet with pipe extention is always a good method though.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fiebru1119 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if i remeber correctly the crank bolt is only 130 ft-lbs.. so yes i assume that electric one will work.. a ratchet with pipe extention is always a good method though.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The install torque on the crank pulley bolt is not the problem. When removing the crank pulley bolt, it may take as much as 300 ft/lbs of torque to break it loose.

 

i bought the moroso crank pulley holder. it did not help taking the bolt off but i did use it to help torque down the bolt.

OT: what kind of impact wrenches are good? I use to borrow 1 from my gf's uncle but he moved out of state. I keep seeing them on sale at sears. Are the nice ones usually around $100?

 

You can do this yourself if you have lots of extra time and patience. I just replaced my timing belt and water pump last weekend. One thing I would recomend having is a good maintenance book. I had good luck using the moroso crank pulley tool about 60$ and a good breaker bar to loosen the pully bolt. Use good qaulity tools if you have them. I broke a couple extensions and a socket, but they were cheap anyway. Removing the engine mount on the belt side made everything alot easier. I spent about 5-6 hours doing mine. And make sure you have the timing right, so you don't have to tear it all down and start over again. Also if you know anyone who has done it before that can help alot. Good Luck!

 

i did my integra's timming belt and it wasnt too hard. now i gotta do my wifes cr-v belt soon. my compressor is old as hell too. i may need to get a new craftsman compressor. hehe

 

I think mine was about $70 bux at Wal-Mart and it's rated @ 380 ft/lbs. It took the bolt off like it was nothing. I didn't even have to hold the crank with anything.