How to do a Timing Belt Replacement
on a Toyota Camry (1997-2001)

Sometimes, the simplest things can also be the most important. A timing belt, for example, is a simple component, but it is a vital part of your engine. A broken or damaged timing belt can be hazardous, as well as costly, so the regular inspection and replacement of a timing belt is crucial.

The saying "timing is everything," definitely applies here. So, make sure your valves are running in sync by following the recommended timing belt replacement schedule for your vehicle. This month, let's have a closer look at a timing belt change on a Toyota Camry (1997-2001).

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

How to Remove a Timing Belt
	Disconnect the negative battery cable.
	Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands.
	Remove the lower engine cover.
	Remove the right inner fender cover.
	Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
	Remove the alternator.
	Remove the coolant reservoir tank.
	Remove the engine torque rod located at front of engine.
	Remove the serpentine belt.
	Raise the engine slightly using a floor jack to release weight from the right side engine mount.
	Remove the right side engine mount.
	Remove the spark plugs.
	Remove timing belt cover and gasket.
	Rotate the crankshaft so cylinder #1 is at TDC on the compression stroke. Note Cylinder #1 is the front cylinder at the timing belt end of the engine.
	Make sure the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley are aligned with "0" mark on the timing belt cover.
	Make sure the hole in the camshaft sprocket aligns with the mark on camshaft bearing cap. Note: If the hole does not align, rotate the crankshaft one complete revolution.
	Loosen idler pulley bolt.
	Move the idler pulley outward as far away from timing belt as possible.
	Retighten the idler pulley belt.
	Remove the timing belt from the camshaft sprocket.
	Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt.
	Remove the crankshaft pulley, using a puller.
	Remove the other timing belt cover & gasket.
	Look & remember the direction of the timing belt guide.
	Remove the timing belt guide.
	Loosen the idler pulley bolt.
	Remove the timing belt from the crankshaft sprocket.
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How to Install a Timing Belt
	Rotate the crankshaft so the timing mark on the crankshaft lines up with the timing mark on the oil pump housing.
	Make sure all the idler pulleys and sprockets are clean.
	Install the timing belt on the crankshaft sprocket, oil pump sprocket, and both idler pulleys.
	Install timing belt guide, making note of the position it was in when removed.
	Install the first timing belt gasket and cover.
	Align the crankshaft pulley key groove with the crankshaft.
	Install the crankshaft pulley.
	Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to specified torque.
	Rotate the crankshaft clockwise so #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke.
	Make sure the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley align with "0" mark on the timing belt cover.
	Rotate the camshaft and align the hole in the camshaft sprocket with the mark on the camshaft bearing cap.
	Install the timing belt on the camshaft sprocket.
	Make sure there is tension on the belt between the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.
	Loosen the idler pulley bolt a half turn.
	Rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise 2 full revolutions from TDC to TDC.
	Make sure timing mark on crankshaft pulley is still aligned with "0" mark on the timing belt cover, and the hole in the camshaft sprocket is aligned with the mark on the camshaft bearing cap. If not remove timing belt and align.
	Rotate the crankshaft 1 7/8 revolutions clockwise.
	Align the crankshaft pulley mark "0" with 45 degree BTDC mark on the timing belt cover.
	Tighten the 2nd idler pulley bolt to specified torque.
	Install the 2nd timing belt gasket and cover.
	Inspect and replace sparks if required.
	Install spark plugs.
	Install the right side engine mount, to specified torque.
	Remove the jack supporting the engine.
	Install the serpentine belt, inspect and replace if required.
	Install the engine torque rod, tighten to specified torque.
	Install the coolant reservoir tank.
	Install the alternator.
	Raise the vehicle, and support with jack stands.
	Install the right inner fender cover.
	Install the lower engine cover.
	Remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle.
	Connect the negative battery cable.
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