I’m changing the T Belt, tensioners etc, on my 2005 XC70 with 87,xxx miles. I found a few good threads on the process but heres my dilema:
Once the timing cover is off, is it OK to just lock the cams and replace the belt, tensioners etc. or do I need to go through the process of aligning the notches / marks? It seems like if everything was sychronized and aligned when the job was started and nothing was moved, should be able to just replace the belt and everything would remain syncronized as long as I did not change the teeth pattern/count when the belt was replaced.
Some threads discuss this alignment and some do not.
Thoughts? Tech?

 

It only takes 30 seconds. Why the huff?
You can do it any way you wish.
Ed

 

Just asking as have never done this before. Seemed like a lot more than 30 seconds but, if the alignment is that quick, that is the way I'll go...

 

You align the stuff so you have a reference to go back to in the event that something moves. I have heard of people tossing a lot of marks on things and just pulling it, however, if you fail to get the timing set right when you put it back together, you will WILL damage the motor. Also, things are less likely to move when the motor is timed.

I usually pull the plugs when I do the belt to make it easier to time and check the plugs.

 

Absolutely, but pushing /pulling the timing belt on and off isn't quite as easy as it sounds, it is easy to move one of the cams while you are squeezed in their. Without a reference to check, how would you ever know?

Check this video
The guy obviously knows what he's doing but on checking the alignment after getting the belt on he finds it's moved and has to re-do it.