Timing belt change problems

[whitcre]

My mechanic is preparing to change my timing belt. He is having trouble removing the bolt from the harmonic balancer. Is there a trick other than brute force. thx

[BMR]

One of the tricks I've read about is to put a socket on the bolt and brace the handle against something solid. Then use the starter to crank the motor over to break it loose. Of course, you'd have to disable the motor so it can't start!

I tried to do mine myself, and broke out the sidewall of my (admittedly cheap) socket while reefing on the 3 foot cheater pipe I slipped over my breaker bar. At that point, I gave up and had a local mechanic do it.

[geojumper]

I just did this on a Camry, socket would not stay on. I used a 3/4 inch closed end wrench long enough to wedge against the body member just aft of the bolt (and slightly offset). One quick touch of the starter and everything was loose. Posted before realized that I was in wrong forum! Maybe will be of help anyway.

George in Wisconsin.

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by whitcre

My mechanic is preparing to change my timing belt. He is having trouble removing the bolt from the harmonic balancer. Is there a trick other than brute force. thx

If your "mechanic" is really a mechanic he would have no trouble removing the crank bolt nor would he ask you for advice on how to do it.

The easiest way is to use a socket and breaker bar. Make sure the breaker bar is secured to the frame (wire, string, duct tape, etc) and bump the starter. It is important to have the breaker bar secure so it doesn't move and slam against something when you hit the starter.

Personally, I would not let anyone replace my timing belt who didn't know how to remove a crank bolt.