Timing Belt: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mazda Millenia and 2001 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Place timing belt tensioner into a press, using a flat washer to prevent damage to timing belt tensioner. See Fig 1. Compress tensioner rod until holes in rod and housing are aligned. On Millenia, install a .079" (2.00 mm) pin for type "A" or a .055" (1.40 mm) pin for type "B" through holes in housing and rod to hold rod in retracted position. On 626, compress tensioner rod until holes in rod and housing are aligned and install a .055" (1.4 mm) pin through holes in housing and rod to hold rod in retracted position. See Fig 1.
- Install timing belt tensioner onto cylinder block with upper retaining bolt only. DO NOT fully tighten upper bolt.CAUTION: If reusing timing belt, ensure timing belt is installed in original direction of rotation.
- Turn camshafts clockwise to align timing marks. See Figure. Using crankshaft pulley bolt, turn crankshaft clockwise to align timing marks. Install timing belt onto sprockets and ensure all slack is on tensioner side. Install in sequence. See Fig 2. Ensure timing belt fully engages all sprockets.
- Ensure tension exists between crankshaft pulley and each camshaft pulley. All timing belt slack should be between camshaft pulleys. Install No. 1 idler pulley, while applying pressure on timing belt, and tighten bolts to specification.
- Push outward at bottom of timing belt tensioner. Install lower retaining bolt in timing belt tensioner. Tighten both timing belt tensioner retaining bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Remove pin from timing belt tensioner, allowing tension to be applied onto timing belt. Rotate crankshaft 2 full revolutions clockwise from TDC to TDC. Ensure timing marks on camshaft sprockets and crankshaft sprocket are properly aligned. See Figure. If timing marks are not aligned, remove and repeat entire timing belt installation procedure. On Millenia, install No. 3 engine mount sub-bracket, and remove engine support.
- On all models, install timing belt covers using NEW gaskets. Tighten retaining bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install dipstick tube with NEW "O" ring. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .