A timing belt makes sure that the valves in the engine open and close in proper relation (timing) to the pistons' up-and-down movement. Replacing the timing belt will keep the pistons moving in proper relation and get you back on the road.
Remove battery negative connection. If there are any cooling system hoses in the way, it is a good idea to drain the cooling system first. Do that by removing the drain plug in the radiator or taking off the lower radiator hose, placing a catch basin of some kind underneath. Then if you did need to remove cooling system hoses, it will be less messy.
Remove all belts on the engine. If they are of similar size it is a good idea to identify them in some way, so you know where they go when it is time to put them back on. Find the top dead center (TDC) mark on the crankshaft pulley, line up the mark with the TDC mark usually found on the timing cover. Remove crankshaft pulley.
As necessary, remove accessories that may be in the way of taking off the timing belt cover. Some examples are alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, cruise control, valve cover.
As necessary, also remove engine mounts or brackets that may prevent you from removing the timing belt cover or the belt itself. If you need to remove an engine mount be sure to support the engine securely in some manner; usually a jack will work just fine.
Remove all bolts securing timing belt cover to engine. Loosen or remove timing belt tensioner and remove the old timing belt.
Verify that crankshaft is lined up with marks under the timing cover. Move camshaft pulley(s) to line up their marks to the marks on the engine. Install new timing belt starting at the crankshaft pulley, being sure to keep the belt as tight as possible when installing from pulley to pulley. Install the belt on the timing belt tensioner last. Install or tighten belt tensioner. Turn engine over at least one full revolution and recheck timing mark alignment and belt tension. If they are good, you are ready to reverse procedure to install. Top off coolant if any coolant was drained.
