How difficult is it to replace timingbelt for a moderate car expreienced person?

[tomcat80]

Tryed to search without any luck.
I'm wondering how difficult it is to replace the timing belt and waterpump myself, I have moderate experience with cars but now idea of how to change the timing belt. Is there any kind of walktrough or similar on the web to help out? Do I nead any kind of specialtools? And how long will this take me? I have the timingbelt kit bought from prostreetonline: http://www.prostreetonline.com/buy/pro_street_timing_belt_kits/fjj-0003-dsm/88
Or is it just to much trouble to handle myself, should I send the car to a dealership/workshop?

 

[Irrational]

There is only one way to learn

yes you need the specialty tool from mitsu dealer and you need a inch pounds torque wrench.
I recommend buying a Hanes manual. Good luck

 

[andymoraitis]

Having a friend who's done the job before is a definite help. In the meantime, you can review the VFAQ procedure which can be found in the Engine section:

http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html

Just make sure that you change all of the timing belt components as well as the water pump. While everything's apart, it's a good idea to also check the crank pulley (harmonic balancer) and rear main seal.

Good luck!

Andy

 

[Quasimondo]

Not difficult, just time consuming with very little space to work with. The VFAQ has step-by-step instructions, the most difficult part would be getting everything aligned (cams, crank, both balance shafts) when you put it on. If you can find a timing belt tensioning tool MD998767, your job will be much easier.

From what I was told, Miller Specialty Tools carries these tools, the dealer probably won't sell it to you. To order these tools contact Miller Specialty Tool 1-800-801-5420. You'll have to order them over the phone.

At the most (if your car has more than 100K on the odometer)
Timing belt + water pump + tb tensioner + pulleys+ bs belt = $400 in parts

At the least
Timing belt + bs belt = $200 in parts

If you go to the dealer
Parts + labor = $1000

If you have moderate skills, don't burn your money on a half-ass job, especially, when some dealers are known to replace only the timing belt and neglect the BS belt, which can then fail and take out the timing belt and your engine.

 

[trebornash]

Hardest,most time consuming=belt allignment
Making sure everything is pointing in the right direction when you release the tension on that little special tool specifically used for this job.

 

[wret]

Tryed to search without any luck.
I'm wondering how difficult it is to replace the timing belt and waterpump myself, I have moderate experience with cars but now idea of how to change the timing belt. Is there any kind of walktrough or similar on the web to help out? Do I nead any kind of specialtools? And how long will this take me? I have the timingbelt kit bought from prostreetonline: http://www.prostreetonline.com/buy/pro_street_timing_belt_kits/fjj-0003-dsm/88
Or is it just to much trouble to handle myself, should I send the car to a dealership/workshop?

As a gauge of how difficult it is, how many “I’m changing my timing belt and I’m stuck” threads do you see? Not many. As stated, follow the FAQ and get the tools and you’ll be fine.