Timing is a very important and responsible unit in the design of any car. It is he who is responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the opening of the valves. To date, most engines are equipped with a timing chain drive. It is driven by a crankshaft. However, unlike a chain that stretches over time, the belt can simply break, which leads to the bending of the valves (but not on all cars). Is it possible to replace the timing belt with your own hands? Experts give a positive answer. Well, let's look at how to correctly replace the timing belt.
When do you need to do this?
This element does not have any characteristic signs of malfunction. Depreciation can only be determined by the external state. So, over time, the belt cracks and breaks - reinforcing elements - dense threads - creep out. But not on all cars the belt is open - it is often hidden under a plastic cover and a quick inspection does not determine its exact condition. Therefore, the replacement of the timing belt at VAZ and other domestic cars is carried out clearly according to the regulations. It is 60 thousand kilometers. Replacing the timing belt on Renault and other foreign cars is carried out every 100-120 thousand kilometers.
Signs of premature replacement
Performing this operation ahead of time is necessary in several cases:
- If foreign liquid (oil, antifreeze or antifreeze) enters the surface of the element. It can destroy the rubber structure on the element.
- In the presence of characteristic deformations (cracks, tears and so on) and damage to the teeth of the belt from the inside of the element.
- If the pump (water pump) is not working properly.
To purchase a belt should only be original. This is the only way to be sure of its quality and that it will serve the time allotted by the manufacturer.
Cooking Tools
To replace the timing belt yourself, we need to have:
- Jack, balloon wrench.
- A set of ring keys (in particular, at 17).
- Set of open-end wrenches (for 15).
- Tool for removing retaining rings.
- Large screwdriver or mount.
- New adjustment idler.
Consider how this procedure is performed first on foreign cars, and then on the engines of domestic VAZ cars.
Getting to work
So, first we need to dismantle the old belt. To do this, remove the protective plastic casing. It is twisted on a few bolts. It is better to unscrew with a ring wrench with a head. We also remove the crankcase protection to improve access to the timing mechanism drive . Pre-unscrew the front right wheel of the car. Then the air conditioner compressor is removed (if any). We need to remove the drive belt. The compressor itself can be put back in place. Next, dismantle the power steering reservoir and put in the direction of the coolant pipes. Thus, we will have free access to the timing belt.
To remove it, you need to unscrew the two bolts securing the generator (usually this is done on Ford cars). Replacing the timing belt does not end there. At the next stage, it is necessary to remove the terminal with a chip, which is located on the right side. The generator is dismantled outward. The pump pulley is also removed. To do this, use a 10-key to unscrew the four fixing bolts. Thus, we can freely get the belt from the car. But that is far from all.
What next?
We need to fix the flywheel. This is necessary so that when installing a new belt, it does not turn. How to fix? To do this, dismantle the starter. But not completely, but only its lower bolt. Then a special lock is put in place of the flywheel (it can be a thick screwdriver). After that, the gearbox is set to neutral. We need to set the clutch to 11 revolutions. It should be rotated clockwise. After that, we take a bolt that fixes the crankshaft, and screw it into place of the plug. Make sure the flywheel location label.
Then we fix the crankshaft with two bolts and install a special key in the bolt that holds the pulley. Raising the power unit on the jack, remove the right engine mount. Then we unscrew the support holder. It is mounted on four bolts. The butterfly should be mounted on the clutch. The crankshaft bolt is unscrewed. If the thread is loose, it must be replaced. Then swing the pulley holder and get the last out. The installation of the belt is carried out only after dismantling the cover of the gear pulley. The tension roller must be loosened and a special pin installed.
Now you can remove the old belt and roller. The new item is installed in reverse order. You must also tighten the tensioner. Please note that on some models an arrow may be printed. It indicates the direction of travel of the timing belt . At the end, tighten the crankshaft bolt and check the marks on the flywheel. They should be in the same place. If it is a 16-valve car, the marks should also match on the camshaft gears. Further assembly is carried out in the reverse order. Replacing the timing belt on a diesel engine is performed in the same way. At the same time, it is advisable to install a new tension roller.
VAZ engines
Replacing the timing belt is as follows. The car is installed on a flat surface, put on the handbrake and engages in fourth gear. Since the belt is available only on front-wheel drive VAZ engines, to access it, you also need to unscrew the wheel on the right side. Then you need to remove the cover that protects the belt. Then, loosen the belt tensioner and remove it. After the pulley of the generator is removed . Next, the box is moved to the neutral position.
The next step is to rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Observe the mark and flywheel. The mark will be visible through a special hole in the clutch cover. Turn the flywheel until the mark is parallel to the middle strip of the scale. It is required to unscrew a nut of a tension roller. It is he who will ease the tension of the belt drive.
Installing a new belt
It must be put on the camshaft pulley, and then pulled on both branches. The part that is not stretched (left side) should be placed behind the roller. The belt is put on the pulley of the pump, and then the crankshaft. Then, rotate the tension roller counterclockwise. This is done until the belt is fully tensioned. The crankshaft rotates one and a half to two turns. This can be done by installing a large cap head and extension arm. You need to scroll so that the labels are in the middle. It also happens that the labels do not match. What to do in this case? You will have to remove the belt again and repeat the procedure again until the marks are parallel to each other. If all succeeds, unscrew the crankshaft bolt and install the alternator pulley. Then tighten this bolt and by turning the roller (it rotates counterclockwise) put on the generator belt.
After that, you can try to start the engine. During its operation, you need to listen to whether the motor is making extraneous sounds. This can happen if the belt is mounted on the tooth forward or backward. Also, during engine operation, the quality of the alternator belt tension can be determined. If it hangs, you need to pull the roller harder.
Which belt to choose?
If we talk about the engines of front-wheel drive VAZ cars, there are several brands of belt mechanisms for them. Their length should be 742 mm. Here are the options on the market:
- Original VAZ belt. Its catalog number is 1006040. The element is quite durable and made of quality material. The resource corresponds to the declared, therefore, such an element is bought by many motorists.
- Lynx 137FL22. This is a Japanese model that contains 137 cuts on the inside. It costs an order of magnitude more expensive than the previous counterpart, but the quality is quite acceptable. If the timing belt is replaced on a VAZ 8 valve car, this brand can be taken without fear.
- Bosch. This company has long established itself in the market on the good side. However, you need to remember that under the brand name "Bosch" many fakes are sold. It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish an original from a copy every year. And it is not always possible to find out by price. Sometimes the cost of a fake is identical to the original.
- ContiTech. This is also a German belt, but fewer fakes are made on it. According to reviews, the element is quite durable and reliable. At a cost higher than the original VAZ. The manufacturer says that synthetic rubber, fiberglass and polyamide fabric are used in the composition.
Conclusion
So, we found out how to replace the timing belt. As you can see, these works can be done with your own hands. In total, the operation takes from one to three hours of time, depending on dexterity. It is advisable to perform work in good lighting. It is also recommended to make a mark in the logbook, in order to know how long it will take to re-replace the timing belt. A 2-liter is a car or 1.5, it does not matter - the belt resource does not depend on the engine size and is regulated in the instruction manual.