Good day,

I have to change my timing belt and water pump on my 2002 2L Protege5, the dealership (I know they’re expensive) wants $1000 for thejob. I’ve done some work on my car myself and amwondering if I have the skill for this job or its to advanced for me ( I don’t havea lift, just the regular jacks,+ i have air tools).

To give you an idea of my skill level here’s some of thethings ive done on my car myself: change brake pads, replace seized calipers,install new hub bearing, replace shocks, replace radiator, replace serpentinebelts, replace head gasket, replace O2 sensor

I never done this before and im a little wary. I have anidea of the procedure and there are manuals and youtube videos to help. Hasanyone changed these themselves and do you think am i biting off more than I can chew? Please giveyour opinion

Thank you

 

I recently did the timing belt on the '98. Your skill level is appropriate for the job.

I found the most difficult part was getting the 2 camshafts aligned. It is easy to get it wrong by one tooth. I managed it this way: Get the belt on by only 10 mm or so. Verify that the stretch opposite to the tensioner is correct (crank cog to exhaust cam cog). Check if the intake cog matches up. Mine was forward by 1 tooth. I used a braod flat screw driver and inserted it in the intake cog teeth in order to pry it up using the exhaust cog as the fulcrum. Move the timing belt off the intake cog only, pry the cog up and immediately put the belt back on.
I have not done the water pump but that should be straight forward.

It is always exciting to do something that's new. Have fun.