TIming belt change

[brian74d]

Hey this is my first post here, I have a 2001 3.3L that is in need of a timing belt change, I am pretty mechanically inclined and am going to attempt the job. I just wanted to know if anyone had done this and if so are there any tricks I should know about. Also, has anyone used the timing belt kit from courtesy parts? If so, let me know if the kit is worth the money. Thanks.

[Xterra Mike]

Welcome. the kit is a good kit. you need a pulley puller for your crank pulley. you can get one from an auto parts store. Take the radiator out to give yourself more room in there. If you see anything that might be going bad just replace it while your in there. (hose, rusty nut) One very important tip. When pulling the pulley take the bolt all the way out with a impact gun (thats the only way your getting that thing off) remove the washer from the bolt and thread the bolt back in maybe 1/4 inch. pull the pulley off but if it starts getting tight stop turning. take the puller off and back out the bolt. you should never feel the puller getting harder to turn. If so you are actually pullin the pulley against the bolt and you will chip a piece off the pulley. Good luck

[Xterraclamper]

Fairly easy work to do..here is a useful pic for your Timing Cover bolts..

[kate08]

Hello-
My Haynes says that the a/c system needs to be discharged to remove the timing belt, but I haven't seen mention of that in the write-ups I've seen. I assume this step needs to be done by a shop-true?
Thanks

[e207]

AC does NOT need to be discharged, There is enough room to just move it out of the way , you just need a piece of wire to hang the AC by til the job is done.