Timing belt change method

[DIYspanner]

Is this method a yea or nay?

Timing belt method

I'm dubious about only being able to get the new belt on half way on before cutting the old one off.

 

[Mottie]

I've seen something similar where they held the blade in the Center of the belt to cut it while the engine was running! I wouldn’t chance it.

 

[cdbe]

Probably not really, because you should replace the tensioner and other rollers and often the water pump (depending on car) which can't be done without releasing the tension on the belt.

I'm not a mechanic but I've done a few and found that the physical replacement of the belt when the correct locking pins are used isn't that difficult.

On some cars, gaining access to do the work is challenging and some need special tools or techniques to tension the new belt.

 

[Burnerman]

It's a nay from me - theories are fine!
In practice you can't pull the new belt tight enough to get over the pulleys without levers.
Which vehicle are you talking about?
John

 

[Old Salt]

Seen it done but wouldn't recommend it myself for the reasons others have stated.

 

[Belle427]

I know people have different methods including multiple paint marks etc but for me i would always buy the correct locking tools if available.

 

[DIYspanner]

With mine, a Bora TDI, there is the water pump replacement to consider so not really practical.

Lots of clever stuff on YT but not always practical for your own vehicle.

 

[Mottie]

With mine, a Bora TDI, there is the water pump replacement to consider so not really practical.

Lots of clever stuff on YT but not always practical for your own vehicle.

Even if it wasn’t to include the water pump, there’s the pulleys and tensioner to change.

 

[Avocet]

Also a "no" from me. Not just for the reasons others have stated, but you end up really stretching the inner (by which I mean those closest to the engine), reinforcing fibres in the new belt, really tight. I suspect a few might even snap within the rubber. Eventually, you get enough of the new belt over the pulleys for the remaining fibres not to become overloaded, but I wouldn't like to take a guess on how much the overall strength of the belt will have been compromised.