Timing Belt: Service and Repair

Fig. 21 Timing Belt Components.:

Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Raise Vehicle.
2. Remove timing belt covers as outlined under TIMING BELT COVER. If timing belt is to be reused, mark direction and belt-to-sprocket reference marks to ensure correct position during installation.
3. Remove timing belt guide from crankshaft sprocket.
4. Loosen idler pulley bolt, then push idler pulley as far left as possible and temporarily tighten idler pulley bolt.
5. Lower vehicle. Remove timing belt, idler pulley bolt, pulley and tension spring.
6. Remove
7. Remove crankshaft timing pulley.
8. Remove camshaft timing gear by securing the camshaft with a wrench and removing the bolt, Fig. 30. Ensure not to damage cylinder head or camshaft with wrench.

Fig. 27 Camshaft Timing Pulley Alignment.:

Fig. 28 Belt & Pulley Alignment.:

Fig. 30 Camshaft Timing Gear.:

Fig. 29 Measuring Belt Deflection. GSi Models w/16 Valve Engine:

Installation
1. Install camshaft sprockets, aligning marks as shown in Fig. 27. Install sprocket attaching bolts and torque to specifications.
2. Install cylinder head covers, then the crankshaft sprocket, idler pulley and tension spring. Pry idler pulley towards the left as far as possible and temporarily tighten attaching bolt.
3. Install timing belt. If belt is being reused, ensure it is installed in the same position as removed.
4. Slowly loosen timing belt idler bolt, then temporarily install crankshaft pulley bolt.
5. Turn crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise from TDC of compression stroke to TDC of compression stroke.
6. Check valve timing. Ensure each sprocket is aligned as shown in Fig. 28.
7. Tighten timing belt idler pulley bolt to 27 ft. lbs.
8. Measure timing belt deflection as shown in Fig. 29. If deflection is not .16 inch with 4.4 lbs. of pressure, readjust as necessary with idler pulley.
9. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt, then install timing belt guide. Ensure guide cup side is facing outward.
10. Install timing belt covers and gaskets.
11. Reverse remaining steps of removal procedure to complete installation. When installing crankshaft pulley torque pulley bolt to specification.