I'm changing my timing belt this weekend. What's all I'll need? And required tools?

[-DSM2NR-]

It's time to change my timing belt. I'm planning on doing it this weekend and I need all the information I can get. I printed out the instructions from www.vfaq.com but what are all the tools required for this install?

 

[idt512]

hmm, i did my timing belt last summer and i dont recall needing any kind of threaded rod in fact i dont remember having to use any special tools, only a vice and a pin for the autotensioner but that was about it. What are you guys using the threaded rod for?

 

[wastefuldreamer]

Im doing my timing belt this weekend also

 

[blcknspo0ln]

I have both special tools (as soon as I get them back from blcknspo0ln ), I like collecting tools, especially if it's a special tool.

TOOL WHORE! I meant to give them to you the other day, they were in the car. I guess I forgot to do that along with getting my laptop back

also, that matco tool looks a hell of alot easier to use than the tool from spxmiller

 

[blcknspo0ln]

I haven't really though of eliminating my balance shaft. What exactly are the adventages of doing this, and what parts would I all need?

removing the balance shaft requires dropping of the oil pan, a new front cover gasket, misc. other gaskets, and the actual BSEK. it's a PITA if you ask me

 

[-DSM2NR-]

I won't do it then

 

[Cool Mr Steve]

The two times I did my timing belt, I didn't have the special tools, or a threaded rod of any sort. Those would've made the job so much easier... What I thought was worth mentioning, though, was that since I have such a limited amount of tools, I had to do it without a vice or C-clamp. I VERY slowly compressed the tensioner by using a hydraulic jack and the bottom of my work bench . The only thing I would want to re-iterate is to be careful with the cam and crank position sensors, as well as the "cam trigger plate" as blcknspo0ln said. I didn't realize it's importance until I had the car all back together. Hence, why I did my belt twice.