Changing timing belt myself :)?

my car needs new timing belt, shop asked $170 for labor (80 for belt and 130 for water pump, i found belt online for 30 and not planing on changing water pump) My buddy who is not mechanic but done alot of work on his cars told me that we can do it ourselves and save $ on labor. He says its only couple bolts and some elbow greasy. I see how it would be easy to put belt on two bottom pulleys but top one might be a problem?. will I have to stretch the belt to fit in or is there some other way. Thanks



by the way its 2004 suzuki forenzaChanging timing belt myself :)?The belt is a tight fit, but not impossible. I'm not familiar with your exact setup, but some cars have an idler pulley that is used to tension the belt. This can be spring loaded or have an adjustment bolt that allows much easier belt installation.



The only %26quot;trick%26quot; to installing the new belt is making sure the timing is correct. That is the crank and cam(s) pulleys are aligned properly. Check the Chilton or Haynes repair manual for how to set them as there are numerous ways that engine manufacturers use to mark the correct positioning. Most have the #! piston @TDC and the #1 cylinder intake valve(s) just closed. Also the location of the distributor or sensor unit that determines the plug firing must be coordinated so that the #1 plug is ready to fire.



BTW: Some engines position the water pump so that the timing belt needs to be removed to get at it. (Subaru does this) It is usually a good idea to replace the water pump while everything is apart, rather than having it go bad a week or month later. (I think that's one of Murphy's laws: A part will go bad right after the parts in front of it are replaced!) Water pumps are cheap compared to many other parts. I'd also replace all fan belts as you put the engine back together if they aren't pretty new. (Removing and reinstalling used belts tends to stretch them and amplify any cracks that were starting to develop.)Changing timing belt myself :)?Timing belts are normally pretty difficult and time consuming to put on. They normally swap the water pump out at the same time because it is so hard to get to normally but is easy while you are doing the timing belt. And it is normally the next thing to wear out. I would highly recommend doing the water pump at the same time.Changing timing belt myself :)?Yes, you can do it yourself, it's not rocket science....but neither is it as simple as replacing a fan belt. If the shop wants $170 for labor, they expect it's going to take professionals several hours to do the job. You don't have to stretch the belt to fit, there should be an adjuster...but you will have to make sure that several timing marks are all lined up with the correct reference marks. This after all is the belt which coordinates all the timing in the engine. The reason the water pump is replaced at the same time is that they have a similar life span to a timing belt, and you're right in there. Replace it now and you'll thank yourself later.

If your buddy has experience with timing belts, then go ahead and it will be a good learning experience. At least get yourself a shop manual and see what you're getting into. OTOH, the shop has quoted you a fair price.