How to Change a Highlander Timing Belt

Changing a Highlander timing belt, like any type of timing belt, takes patience and knowledge in the area. Timing belts must be changed/installed the correct way and must be exact. Any small mistake can cause a number of expensive engine problems.

1. Locate the negative cable on your battery and disconnect it.

2. Take the distributor cap off, if you have one. Some cars may not have one; instead some will have a cam position sensor.

3. Rotate the crankshaft bolt with a socket wrench until the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley is aligned with the 0 degree mark on the timing scale. V6 or V8 engines may or may not require more of a turn than smaller engines.

4. Remove any other accessory drive belts interfering with removing the timing belt cover. It is a good idea to take pictures or to draw a diagram, so you will be able to put everything back where it belongs once you are done with the job.

5. Remove the bolts and screws holding the timing belt cover in place.

6. Check to make sure that the crank and the camshaft timing marks are aligned.

7. Loosen the mounting bolts holding the belt tensioner, but do not remove bolt or bolts. Just keep it loose enough to pry the tensioner away from the belt and then tighten the bolts back up.

8. Slide the belt off, now that the tension on the timing belt is relieved.

9. Hold the new timing belt in hand and carefully install it. Start to reassemble the same way that you disassembled. Pay close attention to the torqueing specs on the engine manual.