For those of you that did your own timing belt job

[UrMyStlkAl]

One of my belts is starting to fray so I figure I'll go ahead and replace them all since I bought the car a year ago and have no idea if they were replaced or not. Timing belt looks good but since I don't know I should go ahread and replace it all. I'll probably be ordering the timing belt kit from prostreetonline.com.

I'm going to use the VFAQ install but anyone have any advice? Never messed w/ belts at all before so it will be totally new and I don't wanna screw the car up.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

Well I already have a die grinder so how would I make one?

 

[huafist]

*bangs head against wall*
Just put the tensioner in a vice with a block of wood on each side to prevent marring and compress it - the use an allen wrench to hold it in place. You don't need any special tools to do a timing job.

 

[echostats]

So, you guys are saying that if the cheapest I can get a mechanic in my area to do a timing belt replacement is $625, I should do it myself?

 

[huafist]

So, you guys are saying that if the cheapest I can get a mechanic in my area to do a timing belt replacement is $625, I should do it myself?

Holy shit on a stick!!!
$625?!?!!!?!
Not only would I do it myself, but I'd hang that mechanic with the old belt!

 

[echostats]

Holy shit on a stick!!!
$625?!?!!!?!
Not only would I do it myself, but I'd hang that mechanic with the old belt!

That is the best of 3 prices. They told me that they would be replacing something else to... A pump or something. They all told me if that pump or whatever goes out, it will lock up the belt and break it. So... yeah.

 

[huafist]

The most common pump replacement when doing a timing belt is a water pump, but that's only because you have to remove the timing belt to get to it anyway - It has nothing to do with the timing belt and while if it goes out it's REALLY bad, it won't break the timing belt. The only pump driven by the timing belt is the oil pump.

If he used a fresh factory front case from Mitsu, and all new timing components (pulleys, auto-tensioner, etc), then MAYBE I can see $625 being reasonable. BUT, it's highly unlikely that replacing the oil pump/front case will be cost-effective - oil pumps tend to last almost indefiintely unless the car has been pummeled.

DSMMotorsport sells a basic timing kit for $185 (that's timing belt, balance shaft belt, all accessory belts, and Auto-tensioner) - you can probably find this cheaper, and if your auto-tensioner spec's out, you can get away wtih belts only for probably around $100. Screw payin' some guy through the nose to replace stuff that isn't broken.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

Well guys, my stuff will be here Thursday so I guess I'll attempt it. I sure hope it all goes well. I never ordered any special tensioning tool or anything. I was told I can use a screw driver or something. We'll see. I'll let you guys know it is. If I can do it anyone can do it so wish me luck, .

BTW, I ordered the Pro street kit. Not sure if I mentioned that or not. It comes w/ the water pump and everything. They're a great company, I highly recommend them.

 

[luv2rallye]

When you compress the auto tensioner (usually in a vise because it is so strong) to put the holding pin (allen wrench) in, compress it VERY VERY slowly and let settle 20 seconds between each compression. Otherwise you will blow out it's seals. Also replace the "B" belt and water pump.

 

[Jehu]

I would suggest just getting a new tensioner. They are relatively cheap and not worth trying to save the money on them. If you get a new tensioner, you don't have to worry about getting a special tool. Just cut your old belt off .

 

[boosteddsm]

When you compress the auto tensioner (usually in a vise because it is so strong) to put the holding pin (allen wrench) in, compress it VERY VERY slowly and let settle 20 seconds between each compression. Otherwise you will blow out it's seals. Also replace the "B" belt and water pump.

Or better yet do yourself a favor and pull the rear balance shaft. Also, looks to me like the prostreetonline kit comes w/a non Mitsu tbelt. Always use a real Mitsu tbelt. And definitely get a new tensioner and water pump.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

I have a question. I looked at both Autozone and O'reilleys for something to measure the tension on the belts so I wouldn't have to just guess but neither have anything like that. Do I just get all of the belts as tight as I can?

 

[kilries]

I might be out of place im a newbie but from what ive seen about crank walk the oil pump could possiably be a contributing factor.

http://www.magnusmotorsports.com/crankwalktheory.htm

this is the link were it indicated this.

I wish i still lived in texas id drive up and help ya cause i need to change my timing belt to. 175 sounds hella cheap to have ti done

here in las vegas ill proably get TrevTec to do mine its 440 for every thing and they seem hella tight from what ive seen about them and when i called them to price them out the guy seemed to know what he was talking about. let me know how it goes.

by the way the cheapest is 365 that ive found so far here.

dont flame me im a newbie just trying to contribute

 

[ProStreetOnline]

Our timing belt kits come with everything you guys need... if you purchase a kit from us, and need some help installing the timing belt, give us a call... our kits come with basic instructions, but we'll definatly be willing to help.

Thanks!