2002 T6 Timing belt change

[sequoia]

I started changing the timing belt on a 2002 T6 and have come to removing the vibration damper. Before I try this, I was hoping for some advice. I have used the VADIS instructions, which don't always match my situation very well...

I broke the nipple for the expansion tank hose on the thermostat housing, and can't see how that could be avoided even if the quick connect on the hose had not been frozen. This seems to happen to pretty much everyone. I will replace the housing with the "upgraded" version with a metal nipple, and get a new hose.

VADIS says to align the timing belt with the marks before removing the vibration damper. Their picture seem to simply show two handheld wrenches used, with one on the 30 mm central nut as a counterhold. From some of the posts that seems optimistic (?!) and at least I can't see doing it without going well out of alignment. At any rate one of the damper bolts would be hidden when aligned, and you would need to turn the damper to get to it. The FCP video for an S60 generally follows the VADIS steps and doesn't seem to have any problems at all with the damper. He is using a pneumatic torque wrench, though (but didn't he still have to turn the damper to get access to all 4 damper bolts?). I don't really have the means to make my own counterhold. I can probably get an electric torque wrench, if need be. One post under Timing Belt Replacement in the "Links to MAJOR S80 repairs" page apparently got the 30 mm central nut off by resting a socket wrench against a suspension part and turn the engine by briefly turning the ignition switch and use the starter motor. That sounds easy enough, but is this something that is recommended?

I can not see any alignment mark on the crankshaft timing belt pulley, but I assume one may be visible once the damper is off. Is it correct that I don’t really need to worry about a mark on the crankshaft timing belt pulley, as long as I mark the position myself before taking off the belt. The car is running perfect, it’s just overdue for a timing belt change. By the way, I assume I can still easily turn the engine to align the timing belt marks even with the damper removed, by re-installing the 30 mm nut and turning it. The reason I ask is, why would the instructions call for aligning first, before removing the damper? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
John

[fn42]

the alignment mark is on the crankshaft sprocket itself, the part that drives the belt. there's 2 marks and you're supposed to line it up so the mark on the oil pump is between the 2 marks on the crank sprocket

I havent had to do a timing belt on my s80 yet so I don't really know what you're dealing with for the vibration dampener. An impact wrench is recommended for the center nut unless you're going to lock the crank from the back of the engine. Maybe you can remove the inaccessible bolt before turning the engine to TDC position?

[sequoia]

I appreciate the information. I am still concerned about how to remove the damper, however, and why all the instructions call for an alignment before the removal, even though it doesn't really make much sense.