Decided to do the timing belt and waterpump on the 1999 Lexus RX300 at the last minute. Belt removal went fine, but need to remove the camshaft pulleys to replace the water pump. I didn't have time to source the proper tool to hold the pulleys while trying to remove the nuts. Any suggestions? Thanks Scott
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Nov. 7, 2009 4:56 p.m. Spitsix New Reader
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Nov. 7, 2009 5:38 p.m. Dr. Hess PowerDork
Is it an interference engine? Probably, so you'll have to be careful. You can try holding the pulley with one of those strap wrenches, or pull the cam cover off and grab the cam with some Vice Grips (The Wonder Tool). Then you can put some torque on the bolts.
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Nov. 7, 2009 6:50 p.m. Spitsix New Reader
Thanks Dr Hess, I believe that it is non-interference. I tried the strap with no luck. I would rather not take off the cam covers because its a pain.
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Nov. 7, 2009 8:13 p.m. Dr. Hess PowerDork
Well, your choices are: Impact wrench with strap, "the right tool" if it even exists, or take the cam cover off and grab the cam with some Vice Grips (on the non-lobe portion, of course). I dunno how that motor is, but on a 5SFE, you just need a big socket.
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Nov. 8, 2009 4:21 p.m. Spitsix New Reader
Waterpump with the next timing belt change! Belt was easierer then I thought. Thanks Scott
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Nov. 8, 2009 6:51 p.m. pinchvalve UltraDork
On the MR2, the cams have a place designed for a wrench to hold.
If you can't get to the cams, leave the belt on and put a socket on the cam and one on the crank pulley. You can use this second socket to keep the belt and therefore the cam pulley from rotating.
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Nov. 9, 2009 4:59 p.m. SupraWes Dork
Loosen the pulley bolts with the belt still installed. A wrench and a tap from a hammer should break em free.
