Im doing my wifes timing belt today and I do not have the special tools for the crankshaft nut or for the tensioner pulley. I plan to just use an impact or a breaker bar and the starter to remove the crankshaft nut and to align the holes on tensioner pulley and install tensioner ( i'll do the needle nose and vice grips method if need be, I am installing a new tensioner and water pump).

I need the spacer so I can turn the crankshaft with the bolt and a socket wrench. Is this a certain size axle nut or what do i need for this?

Also any tips for setting the belt tensioner? I read the sticky but imho a moderator should go in and add a pdf of the procedure to the first post so we don't have to scroll through pages of ppl posting thier email addresses. Thanks so much for the help!

 

i wasnt aware any special tools were required. except maybe a harmonic or bearing puller.
a good 1/2" drive socket set should get you through...

 

information on what vehicle it actually is may help someone to help you more. crank nuts will be anything from 17-23mm.

belt tensioners should be automatic, hand grenade style or based on oil pressure.

 

No, you can't just use a 1/2 socket, the engine will turn over, even if in gear? (did I try that?)

I built a tool to mimic the one from the factory, it hangs on to the flywheel while you loosen the bolt. It will take all your strength and two 4' breaker bars, one to hold the flywheel, one to loosen the bolt.

For the tensioner, I just guessed, not worth buying a torque wrench for such a low force.

Here's some pics of my tool made from 4 'L' brackets bolted together. There are two long bolts that fit into the holes on the flywheel, and the socket plus breaker fits through the middle. The pics are made with a hand mirror.

 

p.s., I didn't try the starter method, heard about it though...

 

it works well. and saves f*ing around with "special" tools. and you *can* just use a 1/2" drive socket and breaker bar.