It's about that time for me to get a new timing belt...and I had a few qs:

Has anyone already replaced theirs? What would the difficultly on this job be?
Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

I've not done one on the protege but as far as FWD cars go this is not a real easy job unless you have proper tools, a good working knowledge of the job, and a lift. I would let a rofessional do it just to be safe.

 

it's non-interference...run it till it breaks,lol. It'll just shut down, wont hurt it

 

hahahah, sounds like something I would say!

 

i did mine @75,000 miles it was'nt that hard but i have a shop with all the tools

 

Great Minds think alike

 

...if you aren't bending any valves, what's the diff if you have a cell phone and a friend who doesn't mind coming to pick you up?

Seriously, for those DIYers out there, remember that tools that you may not have on-hand can be rented to do the job from some auto parts stores. IMO, the most important resources other than tools for somebody doing this type of thing for the first time are good light, a covered place to work, plenty of time and patience, and a friend to lend a hand. Oh, and a good shop manual with all of the necessary torques.

 

and a lift....maybe it's just me or I've been pampered by having lifts but I cant work on the ground or bent over anymore. Myarthritis just kills me. If I cant do it on my back or on my feet then it's not getting done!

 

...I am lucky enough to have the use of a lift where I work... it DOES make life much easier.

 

i know an outo worker with a storage garage, he has concrete floor and in the middle are about 3 ft. wide space with stairs leading down to a 5 1/2 ft. clearence(ground up). just drive the car over (make sure the tires arn't aiming for the gap) and start working

 

I swapped out the water pump on my 1.6L (which involves removing the timing belt) and it wasn't too easy of a task (as most fwd cars aren't!). Didn't need any special tools, but there's not much room to work under the hood. Expect it to take at least a few hours.

 

While i am in there doing the belt and water pump - is it a short leap (easy) to swap out the cams? or is that a whole 'nother job?
Thanks!