| Timing Belt Replacement, Pt. 3 -- Ancillary Maintenance |
From "Weekend Mechanic"
episode WKM-203 |
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Timing-Belt Service -- Ancillary Maintenance With the parts removed for accessing the timing belt, and the crankshaft adjusted in preparation for the removal, related parts are inspected to determine if any need to be replaced. This includes the water pump, thermostat, thermostat-housing, and tensioner assembly. Important: Included below are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts. Tip: In a job such as this, on an older vehicle, it's not advised that you use air-tools. Air ratchets and similar tools may speed up the job, but they could cause bolts to snap or could damage older parts.
- The timing-belt tensioner (figure A) is showing sings of rust. Since this part serves to hold tension on the timing belt, the presence of rust could accelerate wear on the new belt. Therefore, this part will be replaced while access is convenient. The cost of a new tensioner is about $60.
- Though the timing belt on this vehicle was replaced once before -- at around 70,000 miles -- the water-pump (figure B) has never been replaced. Water-pumps typically have a weep-hole that can be checked for signs of coolant-leakage. Since this pump is quite old, it's replaced even though it's not showing immediate signs of leakage. The cost of a new pump is only about $30.
- The same approach is taken with the thermostat. The thermostat itself is due for replacement, and the thermostat housing is showing signs of corrosion. Replacement thermostats are very inexpensive.
- Penetrating oil can be used to soak the bolts that will need to be removed to access these parts. The oil will help the bolts come off more easily.
- Once the oil has soaked in for a few minutes, unbolt and remove the thermostat housing (figure C).
- With the housing removed, the thermostat itself can be inspected (figure D ).
- Once removed, it's apparent that the seal is broken on the old thermostat (figure E). The thermostat should be replaced during this service even if the seal is intact.
- With the thermostat housing off, remove the two hoses from the water pump. In our case, the hoses were in good enough shape to be re-used.
- Unbolt the water pump (figure F) and carefully remove it.
Tip: Even though the radiator was drained previously, the drain pan should be left in place since there will probably be some coolant left in the hoses and pump. - With the water pump removed, it can be inspected for wear (figure G). Though this one looks fairly clean considering the mileage it has, it will be replaced as part of this service.
Tip: You can extend the life of your water-pump by keeping your cooling system clean. - Next, remove the tensioner assembly. The assembly is held on with two bolts. Loosen the first bolt with a long ratchet (figure H).
- Use an offset to remove the second bolt (figure I), and carefully lift the assembly out.
- With these parts removed, it's possible to access and inspect the crankshaft-position sensor (figure J). This is the part that comes into contact with the interior of the harmonic balancer. Avoid loosening this sensor when removing and replacing the timing belt. You merely need to move the belt-guide by hand in order to perform the procedure.
- You can also inspect the inside of the engine's water-jacket. In our case, the inner surface of the jacket was quite clean (figure K), indicating that the radiator is well-maintained. Place a shop-rag inside the water-jacket to protect it from any debris that you need to scrape off the surface of the water-pump mount when you install the new pump.
In the segment that follows, the new belt is installed and the related parts are re-assembled.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
How Cars Work
Author: Tom Newton
ISBN: 0966862309
Publisher: Black Apple Press
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
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