Timing Belt Replacement (SOHC)

Note: Remove V-belts and pulleys before starting the steps below.

Component removal order

1. Dip stick tube
2. Dip stick
3. O-ring (remove and discard — replace with new part)
4. Timing belt upper cover
5. Timing belt lower cover
6. Loosen tensioner and remove timing belt

If further maintenance is required, continue removing:

7. Crankshaft sprocket
8. Tensioner spring — replace if over 100,000km (62,137mi)
9. Tensioner unit — replace if over 100,000km (62,137mi)
10. Oil pump sprocket
11. Camshaft sprocket
12. Timing belt rear cover

Note: the timing belt and tensioner assembly must be replaced as a set at 100,000km (62,137mi).

Timing belt removal

1. Turn the engine clockwise until the camshaft sprocket triangle mark aligns with the reference mark shown. This is the No. 1 cylinder TDC point.
2. Loosen the timing belt tensioner nut.
3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to loosen the tensioner spring as shown. Be careful not to damage the water pump case.
4. Remove the timing belt.
5. Inspect the camshaft sprocket; remove and replace if defects are detected, using camshaft holder tools MB990767 and MD998719.

Note: replace the water pump along with the timing belt if the water pump has over 60,000km (37,282mi) on it.

Oil pump sprocket / counterbalance shaft removal

Note: if the oil pump sprocket is removed, the counterbalance shaft must be held in position.

1. Remove the oil plug on the side of the block.
2. Slide an 8mm (0.315in)-thick, rounded flat-blade driver (minimum 65mm (2.559in) length) through the orifice to hold the counterbalance shaft.
3. Remove the oil pump “F” nut.
4. Remove the sprocket.

Crankshaft bolt removal

1. Install the flywheel retaining tool (MD998608) as shown.
2. Remove the crankshaft bolt.

Installation

1. Install the spring pin as shown.
2. Install the crankshaft sprocket and washer.
3. Attach the flywheel retainer and install the crankshaft bolt.
4. Slide the 8mm (0.315in) driver through the orifice again to hold the counterbalance shaft (same as removal, min. 65mm (2.559in) length).
5. Install the oil pump sprocket.
6. Install the oil pump “F” nut.
7. Attach the camshaft sprocket, using tools MD998719 and MB990767.
8. Use a pair of pliers to install the tensioner spring. Take care not to damage the water pump during installation.
9. Use a screwdriver to move the tensioner and tighten the nut. Do not fully tighten the belt until proper positioning is confirmed.
10. Check all alignment marks.
11. Use the oil pump sprocket alignment diagram (clockwise/counter-clockwise reference marks) to confirm correct sprocket orientation.

Torque values

Fastener	Torque
Crankshaft pulley/sprocket bolt	88–98 N·m (9.0–10 kgf·m; 65–72 ft-lb)
Timing belt tensioner nut	25 N·m (2.6 kgf·m; 18 ft-lb)

(verify printed p.32-38) — the source diagrams on these pages show several additional torque callouts that could not be confidently matched to a specific fastener after OCR: T=11 N·m (1.1 kgf·m; 97 in-lb) (appears 4 times, likely various timing belt cover bolts) and T=45 N��m (4.5 kgf·m; 33 ft-lb) (appears once, unidentified). Confirm against the printed diagram before use.

Note: coat all moving parts with SAE 30W engine oil before assembly. Never reuse oil seals.