Do I need to remove the camshaft sprocket to remove the cover? And if so how do I do it without moving the cam and throwing off the valve timing?

Im cant find it in the bentley and im trying to finish up the belts, and to replace the water pump its gotta go

But thats only because the PO cut the rear timing cover, heh.

This is where a crank locking tool comes in handy. It would lock the crank so you could zip off the cam bolt, remove the cam sprocket, and then remove the rear cover.

Thats just me following procedure though. Make sure the timing marks are lined up, install the bar, then have at it.

Pretty simple with everything lined and locked up. When I did my very first timing belt I had a heck of a time with the lower timing cover bolts, not alot of room around there.

Let us know how it turns out!

Really, it doesn't matter if you do turn it or not. Just make sure the mark is lined up while you put the timing belt on. the NG's aren't interference engines, so you can turn the cam all you want, and it won't affect anything. Also, the distributor runs off the cam. So, you only have the two to consider. I usually advance the cam one tooth also, but that's up to the individual. It moves the powerband down slightly, which is what most people use more anyhow. Retarding the cam will move the powerband upward on the tach. Just remember after your TB is done, to check the ignition timing also. TB's vary a bit, especially from old to new, and the timing will change slightly.

Tony

So the belt is behind the big "pulley", and there is no way to remove it and install the new one without removing it correct?

But the tool uses it to hold the crankshaft in place, so removing it would let it spin, and so to keep the timing correct you dont want it to turn right?

Or do you just you use the tool to hold it so you can remove the bolt without breaking anything?

The crank lock tool is pretty much there to hold things together so you can remove the crank bolt, which in turn lets you RR the timing belt itself.

So, lock the crank, crack loose the crank bolt, and you are in business. Since you already have the water pump and cam sprocket off, just zip off the crank bolt and you will be good.

Since the crank wont move with the crank lock tool there things will still be lined up when you put everything back together.

make sure to replace it with the front in front or it will have the wrong timing marks!

Too bad my Rabbit is almost at its allotted miles for the year (lease). Id have alot less miles if I didnt have all these stupid trips to and from IN and NC.