I am approaching 110k miles and am considering replacing the timing belt myself. I'm sure someone out there has done this themselves already and I'm hoping you have some tips/tricks to make the job easier. I'm a competent DIYer but time is frequently an issue. I've got the service manual for the car but they don't always tell you everything. It's a 2001 4dr LX. BTW, I guess I should check the valve clearance while in there. Any advice on that?

Thanks
Travis

 

If time is the issue, you be better off having a shop to do the work. I usually have my friend replace my timing belt, but I will do next one when its due.

 

do you have a haynes manual?..if not, go pick one up for $15 at your automotive store, it helps a fortune and tells you everything and how to do it..i was looking up timing belts in mine and looks like a HELLL of a job, i want to attempt it but i think i would need 1 or 2 days to take my time and i dont have all the proper tools....now i no why they charge so much

 

i would by a manual from www.helminc.com it is the manual we use at dealerships ..

the job is not that hard it is time comsuming, the most critical thing is to make sure you set the cam timing correct
the hardest thing is, to remove the 17mm bolt for the crank pulley,, it can be a son of a gun ,, i have to use a 3/4 inch impact most of the time or it won't budge ..