Timing Belt Replacement (4A-FE Engine) - Removal

· Disconnect the negative battery cable.

· Remove the alternator as described. Also remove the power steering pump drive belt.

· Remove the spark plugs.

· Position the piston in cylinder No. 1 at TDC.

· Chock the rear wheels, raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it on stands. Remove the right front wheel, then remove the bolts and the splash shield from the right side of the engine compartment.

· Hold the crankshaft from turning in order to loosen the pulley bolt.

· Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and remove the pulley from the crankshaft nose. If the fit is tight, use a suitable puller.

· Remove the bolts and the upper and lower timing belt covers. Remove the gaskets, if equipped.

· Remove the outer timing belt guide from the crankshaft.

Fig. 2.3.2.1. Removing the outer timing belt guide from the crankshaft nose

· If the same belt will be reused, mark an arrow indicating its direction of rotation. Also mark its position relative to the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.

· Loosen the bolt securing the timing belt tensioner to the cylinder block. Using a screwdriver through the protective cover, push the tensioner to release the belt tension, then tighten the bolt to hold the tensioner in this position.

· Remove the timing belt from the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets and from the oil pump and water pump drives. To remove the belt, it is necessary to unload and remove the right engine mount. Before removing the mount, support the engine with a jack under the oil pan using a wooden block.

· With the timing belt removed, do NOT change the position of the crankshaft or camshafts.