3rd gen. Cam pulley bolts

[4xt4r]

Hello all, I’m doing a timing belt job on my ‘98 3.4.
Just replaced crank seal & tried to remove cam pulley bolts which didn’t readily loosen, didn’t want to force until asking if maybe they are left
Hand threads? I’m assuming they’re right hand threads as my Haynes manual doesn’t indicate any otherwise.
Thanks!!

 

[rideexileex]

Hello all, I’m doing a timing belt job on my ‘98 3.4.
Just replaced crank seal & tried to remove cam pulley bolts which didn’t readily loosen, didn’t want to force until asking if maybe they are left
Hand threads? I’m assuming they’re right hand threads as my Haynes manual doesn’t indicate any otherwise.
Thanks!!

Standard threads - impact gun makes quick work of them.

 

[DaveL]

regular right hand threads

 

[gamefreakgc]

They are difficult to remove with a normal socket wrench, or even a breaker bar for that matter. It will cause the crankshaft to turn and all the pulleys with it. An impact gun or air tools will do the trick much, much easier. If that's not an option, put a cheater bar on a 2 foot breaker or buy a 3 foot breaker bar and very quickly and sharply try and break the bolt loose. It will work of the bolts were not over-torqued the last time they were put in.

 

[Ser1clymb]

They are difficult to remove with a normal socket wrench, or even a breaker bar for that matter. It will cause the crankshaft to turn and all the pulleys with it. An impact gun or air tools will do the trick much, much easier. If that's not an option, put a cheater bar on a 2 foot breaker or buy a 3 foot breaker bar and very quickly and sharply try and break the bolt loose. It will work of the bolts were not over-torqued the last time they were put in.

That's good advice, just be careful of the fender and your elbow if using a 2 foot or less breaker bar. Ask me how I know. And same thing on both sides. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[thegipper]

You'll need some way of holding the cam pulleys when re-installing to be able to torque them to spec. I made a simple tool out of some steel bar and some grade 8 bolts/nuts spaced out to fit between the "spokes" of the pulleys.

 

[Ed_C]

You'll need some way of holding the cam pulleys when re-installing to be able to torque them to spec. I made a simple tool out of some steel bar and some grade 8 bolts/nuts spaced out to fit between the "spokes" of the pulleys.

Thats basically what most mechanics use, this tool. Then a long breaker bar or pipe over my ratchet.

 

[HiLife]

I very seldom use that tool but, I'm glad I have one when I have to loosen cam bolts.