Help? Tips for replacing/reinserting the timing belt cover

P2Apprentice · Post by **P2Apprentice** » 22 Aug 2021, 10:45

I needed to wiggle timing belt cover on the side of engine upward slightly maybe about 1" after a small mishap. I left most everything in place including the upper cross bar that goes between the strut towers and the serpentine belt. I did move the power steering reservoir to access and remove the TB cover bolt on the side. I then partially returned it to its home position leaving hoses out of guide on the PS pump.

I also removed the reward nut on the wheel well cover and am able to fold it backward along the crease to see the rear clip position and try to get at things from bottom side of car. Car is still on ground with front right wheel in place. I'm small enough I can wiggle under car like this.

I probably moved the timing cover upward about 0.5" to 1". Enough that I can see the rearward bottom clip disengaged. but aligned with the slot receptacle it needs to go back into. The forward clip is really hard to see as it is hidden behind (what I think is) the serpentine belt tensioner.

I'm thinking the cover is either getting hung up on the front clip or possibly the bottom of the cover is getting hung up on the serpentine belt crankshaft pulley. Not sure. I've tried pressing leftward on the TB cover to get it to slide behind the serpentine belt components, but it just doesn't seem to want to go in.

I'm having a great deal of unanticipated difficulty getting this cover back in place and engaged. Is there a "trick" or technique that helps here? If slid up very easily but now I can't push it back down and I"ve tried everything I can think of.

Ideas? Thanks much! I'm stuck! Some of the videos online made this look very easy. Does anyone know of a video that shows in detail how to do this step?

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 22 Aug 2021, 22:13

Yes its annoying, it needs to sit behind the tensioner pulley (thats the trick) . Reach down with your hand and press the cover against the engine and the tab will go behind the pulley. I have broken the tabs on an old cover because i got angry with it and forced it down. Once you get it you will find it easy. good lighting and some time studying it and it will wiggle in position. Removal of the stabilizer helps alot but is not nessasary, moving the steer pump hose helps alot but is also not necessary

Post by **oragex** » 23 Aug 2021, 12:55

As above, takes patience

P2Apprentice · Post by **P2Apprentice** » 24 Aug 2021, 16:02

Thanks For the tips! I had actually already watched the above youtube before posting here. It was helpful for understanding where the tabs are located but not for the "artful/skilled" technique to get it back into place. Alot of other videos also gloss over this step.

I can see why, now that its it in place. Its super easy when it is easy and super hard all other times or maybe super hard the first time and easier after that. Not sure. I think its one of those skill/technique things that is hard to describe and needs to be learned. Either way the engine-ward pressure near the serpantine tensioner is part of the "trick" for sure.

I agree with memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=29753 My repair buddy and I struggled with this for quite awhile with each of us taking turns at trying. No luck. Since the cover was only partially removed (slid up an inch or so) I think part of the problem is we may not have been pulling it back up enough at reinsert time to get the front tab into its slot. I suggested we break for lunch and come back later. We did and my buddy made one quick try after lunch and it just kinda magically went into place with ease and we were both shocked.

I'll also note there is a small indent in the cover directly above the tab, when you reach your hand down there to provide the engine-ward pressure that indent helps you to know where to press

Each of us had tried for a really long time before lunch including engine-ward pressure with no luck.

So it does just take patience, practice, and maybe even a bit of luck?

Either way the important message is: you don't have to push hard at all when its in the right place it just goes in. So keep your cool, relax, take a break, wiggle, and try with that engine-ward pressure until it just goes in.... I guess that's the trick.

Very relieved to finally have the cover back where it belongs.