h8r

has anyone done a belt change on their own. How involved and were there any special tool required?

Kris Hansen

it's not a bad job, very time consuming, and potential for error is high. Best way to do it is to pull the bumper off, lower the lock carrier (AKA radiator core support) till you get access to the front of the engine. The special tools are actually alignment jigs, one screws into the block to lock the crankshaft at TDC, one locks into the cam shaft ends to keep the cams locked at TDC. Other than that, it's basic tools.

Change the water pump, thermostat, roller, and serpantine belt at the same time.

SCd_Walter

I did a writeup on it, if you search you should be able to find it. If you have questions, feel free to email me. As far as special tools, the only one that I can think of that you would really want for the timing belt is the camshaft bag that keeps the camshafts positioned properly. If you are careful though, it can be done without any special tools, you just need to make sure that you do not move the crank / camshafts once you have everything apart so you do not mess up your timing.

~walter

slindars

Did you change the TB Tensioner?