How hard is it to change a timing belt?

Question

Everyone says its impossible or expensive. What can go wrong?

2002 saturn sl2. 140000 miles

Answer 1

PUTTING IN SIMPLE TERMS, IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE THIS "THEN DON'T DO IT".

MISALIGNED TIMING BELT = BENT VALVES AND OR MOTOR REPLACEMENT.

EVERYONE IS WRONG IN WHAT THEY ARE TELLING YOU.

Answer 2

If you're gonna do it yourself, yes, things can go wrong if you're not familiar with how it all works. A timing belt is like a timing chain on an older car. Yours is probably over head cam(s). Some of the belts, OHC, are 'external' with only a 'cover' for safety's sake. Some are inside the engine housing, like a Mazda Miata. The external ones are easy, basically, but you gotta know about the 'timing' itself on either external or internal. If I were you & didn't have a garage w/helper, I'd take it to a good mechanic.

Answer 3

most of the time nothing will go wrong if when you take it off . but always mark the gears so when you put on the new one the gears will be in line. because if there not then the time will be off. and biggest part of the time if that happens you have to take it back apart and reset the gears again.

Answer 4

Its really not hard to change it but getting it timed afterwards is the problem... In the long run its better to take it to an everyday mechanic.. (Not your dealer) Good luck Grant M in Pennsylvania

Answer 5

I would definitely get a second opinion on that. I have heard that it is not that bad myself. I wish I could help you with details. You should post the make and model ...that might help.

Answer 6

It's not easy, and if you don't get it exactly right the pistons tend to become one with the valves.

Answer 7

if you dont do it right you can bend the valves