Elantra 2000, timing belt replacement

Hi - I need to replace my timing belt. I want to know if it's very
difficult to do it by myself. I already replaced my timing belt on a
previous car, it was a volkswagen fox. I don't found it much difficult
with the proper tools and information. I need to know if there is
specific difficulties to change the timing belt on the Elantra 2000?
Also do i need special tools?

Thanks.

 

Ooo, man, be careful here.

I was once able to change a timing belt on a Korean-built Pontiac. And when
the dealer did it, it was a very uncomplicated $70 job. But that engine was
not an interference engine, and there was plenty of room to work - you had
to move or remove virtually nothing to get to it. I think the same is true
of the old VW Fox engine.

But this is an interference engine in a much more cramped area. It will
still be easier than some V6's I have had to face, but you have to know what
you are doing.

If you don't yet have a free HMA account, get one. All the schematics you
need should be in there. In fact, for a job like this, I myself probably
wouldn't settle for less than actually buying the Elantra service manual.
It makes sure you do the job right.

Also consider changing out the water pump while you are at it. You will
virtually have it in your hands to get the belt off, making replacement
fairly easy - and about the only time you would want to do it. The part
(and necessary gasket) should be able to be had for less than $50, almost as
cheap as the timing belt itself, according to my research.

Finally, take a long look at the condition of the timing belt tensioner
pulley. Just to be safe, you may want to go ahead and replace it
regardless - like the water pump, that is the only time you would ever want
to replace that. Some auto parts stores sell a timing belt component kit
that has the belt, the pulley, all you need for the job(except the water
pump and gasket). I think the security is a small price to pay.

Hope this helps.

 

I'll just add a little to what the good reverend posted.

Your largest difficulty will be removing the crank pulley bolt. If you
have an impact gun or a means to hold the engine from turning, this should
not present a problem for you.

This timing belt is one of the easier ones to replace. Since you have
timing belt experience, I doubt you'll have much problem. I have no
experience with the Fox, however.

And lastly, the timing belt pulleys rarely fail on this engine. But, like
Tom says, it's still a good idea to give them a spin and make sure they're
okay before installing the new belt.

 

Thanks for the tips. I will buy an impact wrench, but not sure about
the capacity. I have the choice between a 250 feet.pound an a 450. Is
the smaller one powerfull an off.

Thanks.

 

I'd think 250 ft. lb. should be enough, but it's difficult to know for
certain without trying to remove the bolt with the wrench. Because of the
way impact wrenches operate and are rated, their rating isn't the same as
how tight they'll torque a fastener.

 

Excuse me for being late.

May I suggest a method I used to remove the crankshaft bolt on my 1992
Elantra. I am not sure it is usable on your 2000 Elantra.

First of all, check if the crankshaft pulley turns clockwise when you
look at the bolt.

If so, it permits us to use the starter power only: remove the fuse
that feeds the engine computer so that there is no more injection nor
plug firing.

Use a box wrench, an extension, and a bar (being French-speaking, I do
not know the exact words to describe these tools). Make sure the
tools are set so that no one will be hurt nor the car will be damaged.

Just turn the ignition key to the starting position for a fraction of
a second, and Voil…!

Hopefully it will help you or someone else.

 

Finally i completed the job, here is a little summary of the main
difficulties for a novice:
- I found that the 250 ft.lb impact wrench was powerfull an off to
remove the crank bolt. Additionnally the impact ratchett was very
usefull to work within the limited space of the motor region.
- Also i made a wood box to support the motor before to remove the
motor mount. I did it such that the weight is supported around the oil
pan on the screws. The oil pan of this model tend to rust in my region
and it may not be able to support this weight.
- To find good visual indications of the Top Dead Center (TDC) the
online shop manual was a good help. It was possible to visualize the
relative position of the crankshaft pulley and the camshaft pulley at
TDC.
- After the timing belt replacement and before to start the motor the
most important thing to do is probably to ensure that the motor is at
TDC and manually do two complete rotations of the crankshaft pulley
(One motor cycle) and check again the TDC.
- Ensure to have the good tork on the idler pulley and tensioner
pulley before to reassemble
- Ensure to have the good tension adjustment on the timing belt. This
is difficult for a novice that don't have the feeling of what is too
tight and not an off tight. The hyundai spec for my model was 4 to 6
mm of deflection with a 2kg push. This was helpfull but here the
experience is probably the best friend.
- To finish i found that the bearing of the idler pulley was worn and
i replaced this part also. The car actually have 150 000km.

Thanks all.