Like all cars, the 2004 Suzuki Forenza needs to be maintained properly in order to prevent sudden failures and malfunctions. Every car has a different recommended time for replacing the timing belt, but usually it is replaced around every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. The timing belt controls the timing of the valves of the car engine. It has a toothed internal surface and looks just like an ordinary belt. When a timing belt breaks, it can cause some serious and dangerous damage to the engine so it's best to learn how to replace it on time.
Disconnect the negative cable on your car battery. Make sure to wait for the engine of your Suzuki Forenza to cool off completely before you start working on it.
Rotate the engine using a wrench attached to a crankshaft bolt. Align the timing mark on the pulley to the 0o mark on the scale.
Remove the screws and the bolts that hold the timing cover in its place and take the cover off. Loosen the bolts that hold the spring-loaded tensioner of the timing belt a little. Pull the tensioner away from the timing belt and then tighten the bolts again.
Pry off the timing belt from the pulley channels and the camshaft sprocket with a flat head screwdriver. Set the old timing belt aside and compare it with the new belt. The new belt should have the same width as with the old timing belt and the inside surface of both belts should have the same size of teeth.
Put the new timing belt on the sprockets and make sure it is positioned correctly. Loosen the bolts that hold the tensioner and pull the tensioner toward the timing belt.
Adjust the timing of the belt. Strictly follow the instructions on the Suzuki Forenza manual. When the timing is set, check if the timing marks on the can, crank and sprockets are still aligned.
Turn the engine with the wrench on the crankshaft pulley two whole circles until you reach the 0o mark.
Reinstall the timing cover and tighten the screws and bolts that hold the cover in its place.
Reconnect the negative cable on your car battery. Put the key in the ignition and start the car to check if the timing belt replacement was successful and that the car is running properly.
