Timing belt - 99 Camry

[GH05]

I just bought a 99 camry 4 cylinder with 103k miles. The owner never changed the timing belt. I was wondering how difficult a repair it was? Any special tools or recommended guides? Other than the water pump, what else should be changed at the same time? Tensioner, other bearings?? Thanks

[toyomoho]

The job is not difficult but can be time consuming if doing it for the first time, a lot of parts need to be removed. Download the appropriate service information from the link below and also read the treads at the bottom of this page.

There are two timing belt pulleys. Some owners also change the crank and cam seals but might just check for leaking (also check the oil pump seal). Would also be a good time to check all the other belts as they will need to be removed.

One issue removing the crank pulley bolt requires holding the crank in place. Be sure to double check the crank/cam timing one the belt is on. Do this by rotating the crank 2 times CW and rechecking the marks.

http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry

[dc_98_cam]

I ran into the pulley bolt removal problem a few weeks ago. I wouldn't recommend the method of using the starter motor to bump it loose. I fabricated the tool linked to here ... It works for the bolt removal, and also reinstallation. ... If your 99 model is the same as a 98, you also need a 19 mm socket, and a 1/2" drive, 18" long breaker bar.

...See some of my previous posts for comments regarding the timing belt project.

http://picasaweb.google.com/drcorlis...83579871281490

... If you want one of these tools, send me a PM. ...

[92ES5sp]

Easy timing belt!

[marc780]

First things first, I recommend giving the engine a really good cleaning before you tear into it, i use simple green, or gunk - clean it twice if you have to, and the timing belt job will be a lot more bearable.
also the breaker bar and starter bump method works great for loosening the crank pulley bolt. (That crankshaft is forged steel, doing this once or twice wont hurt a thing). I have an electric impact gun, when i did mine V6 it did not have the power to break loose the crank pulley bolt no matter how much i beat on it, but the starter bump trick did.