Timing Belt: Removal

Remove condenser tank. Remove A/C and power steering hose mounting bracket from upper engine mount at timing belt cover. Remove all drive belts. Using End Yoke Holder (MB990767) and Crankshaft Pulley Holder (MD998718 or MD998719), remove crankshaft pulley bolt and pulley. See Fig 1.
CAUTION: DO NOT rotate crankshaft counterclockwise (as viewed from timing belt end of engine). If timing belt is to be reused, mark direction of rotation before removing.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Timing Belts & Related Components (Typical)
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Remove upper and lower timing belt covers. Remove flange. Rotate crankshaft clockwise (as viewed from timing belt end of engine) until cylinder No. 1 is at TDC of compression stroke, and timing mark on camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket align with timing mark on engine. See Fig 2.
If timing belt is to be reused, mark direction of rotation before removing. Loosen timing belt tensioner bolt. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, move tensioner away from timing belt. Tighten bolt to secure tensioner. Remove timing belt.

Fig 2: Aligning Timing Marks

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.