where is timing belt

[kevinwatson]

It is a 1996 Corolla sedan. Can you please tell where is the timing belt? I think it is underneath the cover marked in red as shown in this picture:



I saw four bolts and took them off, but I still was not able to take the cover off. Can someone please advise how to open the cover to check the timing belt?

Thanks, -Kevin

[Zembonez]

The timing belt is located under that cover, but you can't judge the condition of a timing belt visually. A perfectly fine looking (but old) T belt can shred with out notice.

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Originally Posted by kevinwatson

I saw four bolts and took them off, but I still was not able to take the cover off. Can someone please advise how to open the cover to check the timing belt?

Thanks, -Kevin

Hi Kevin, as mentioned above, you can't judge the condition of the timing belt by simply looking at it. However, to remove the valve cover so you can get access to it, all you have to do is remove your spark plug wires, remove the 4 nuts on top of the valve cover, then remove the 2 bolts on the far left which hold the plastic cover on which covers the alternator wiring harness. Once you've removed all of the nuts/bolts, slide the alternator's wiring harness over the side of the valve cover and lift the valve cover off.

It may be difficult to get the valve cover off if it hasn't been removed in a while (or ever) so try rocking it from left to right while pulling upwards. Do not use any tools to try and pry it up or you'll damage the head and/or gasket. After a bit of pulling, the cover should come off easily and you'll now be able to see the timing belt. This would be a good time to inspect the valve cover's rubber gasket and spark plug well grommets. The rubber gasket is reusable if it's still in good shape (not cracked, split or deteriorated). Be sure to check for any leaks after reinstalling the valve cover.

[cabbe2]

One really easy question how many miles do you have on the car?