Timing Belt Installation Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify that the timing belt pulley mark and camshaft pulley marks are aligned with the timing marks as shown.

Fig 1: Aligning With Timing Marks
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying Timing Marks
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the timing belt so that there is no looseness at the idler side and between the camshaft pulleys.
Install the pulley boss and pulley lock bolt.

Fig 3: Installing Timing Belt No Looseness At Idler Side
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Turn the crankshaft clockwise 1 and 5/6 times , and align the timing belt pulley mark with the tensioner set mark for proper timing belt tension adjustment.

Fig 4: Aligning Timing Belt Pulley Mark With Tensioner Set Mark
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Hold the crankshaft using the SST , and remove the pulley lock bolt and the pulley boss.
Verify that the timing belt pulley mark is aligned with the tensioner set mark.
Loosen the tensioner lock bolt to apply tension to the timing belt.
Tighten the tensioner lock bolt.
CAUTION:
- Avoid the tensioner from moving with the tensioner lock bolt as it is turned.
Fig 5: Removing Pulley Lock Bolt And Pulley Boss
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the pulley boss and the pulley lock bolt.
Turn the crankshaft 2 and 1/6 times , and face the pin on the pulley boss straight up.
Verify that the camshaft pulley marks are aligned with the timing marks as shown.
- If not, repeat from "Timing Belt Removal Note". (See TIMING BELT REMOVAL NOTE .)
NOTE:
- It is preferable that the positioning pins of the pulley boss are just above the timing marks.
Fig 6: Verifying Camshaft Pulley Marks And Aligning With Timing Marks
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 7: Identifying Pulley Boss
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the belt deflection at the point shown in Fig 8.
- If not as specified, repeat from Step 4.
Timing belt deflection
1. 8.5-11.5 mm {0.34-0.45 in}
Fig 8: Measuring Belt Deflection Point
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.