V8 Timing belt change: how many of you have done it yourself?

[mikeinaustin]

Specifically, in regard to the V8 (in my case a 2002 version). How much time did it take you? Any hints on performing this job?

[integraGSR]

i did my brother in laws. took about 4.5 hours. i have done other timing belts before, but not a v8. hints? well, put things you take off in order and it goes back in order. that is the only way it will go back in, in order. lots of stuff to take off though.

[NoLaTUNDRA]

OK so as somoene who needs it done soon...ASSUMING I manage to fix my current problem and keep the truck....I should just take it to the stealership?

[Boosted27606]

Originally Posted by NoLaTUNDRA

OK so as somoene who needs it done soon...ASSUMING I manage to fix my current problem and keep the truck....I should just take it to the stealership?

.........or to an independent shop that you trust

[vincenzo]

Originally Posted by Boosted27606

.........or to an independent shop that you trust

I would opt for this, if you know of a good enough shop. There is a seller on ebay that sells a timing belt kit that includes nearly everything you will need to replace. Buy the kit and take it to the shop to have them get it done. I, personally, have a shop near me that said they would do the work for $300. $300 labor + $220 parts = $520 (approx.). A bit less than most dealerships would charge.

[muvico]

I did it , it wasn't fun.

[muvico]

105k when i did it and now 115 , no problems so far , it runs better than before.It took me the whole weekend( 2 days)

[muvico]

Lots of parts to take out and put back together right where they belong. that's the biggest challenge.

[Oregonbuilder]

Just did mine last weekend it took about 6 hours. It really was not that difficult just take your time and keep track of all the parts and where all the different bolts go. 116,000 mile at belt change and it looked worn.

[wnnarce]

Took me about 8hrs over 2 days. Follow the link to instructions on removal and nstallation. Timing belt replacement please help

[barron64]

I did my brother in laws 01 with 93000mi and everything looked like it would go a good bit longer. Exception was water pump was seeping a little coolant. If you want to do the job right, replace belt, two idler pullies, water pump and tensioner. Some people replace the cam seals but I wouldn't fool with those unless they were leaking. Replacing all these items means you will not have to worry about any timing belt components until nearly 200K miles. If you just replace the belt and not the other items means you are gambling on those pullies and the water pump to last another 100K miles. May or may not last that long before one fails and ruins the belt and your engine. One tip...Use a long pull bar on the front pulley bolt, rest the end of the bar against the ground and bump the starter to loosen the bolt. Worked for me. I also replaced the thermostat because it was a handy time to do it with the coolant drained and the good access I had.

[Doug H]

I recently changed the belt and water pump with the help of my brother in law. I had a Haynes manual and the steps walked us right through with no porblems. There is a large number of parts to take off, if doing this yourself, just keep track of the order and parts you remove. It took us overall about 5 hours. You will want to replace the water pump, at mimimum, when the belt is replaced, otherwise, you will have to go through this all over again if the water pump fails. Mine old WP did have some weeping, but it was only evident after I got it out. I'm glad I chose to spend the extra money and replace it when I did.

[single]

Do it once, do it right. While you are there, the tensioners, seals and wp are a must. Don't try to cut corners unless your time means nothing to you. It's a small investment to know that you've done it all and have another 90k before you have to worry about your timing belt or water pump. I've been a mechanic for toooooo loooong and been bitten by the shortcut bug too many times.