Why take the bottom pulley off to change a cambelt??

[jeremy]

Is this just a Haynes myth - did my TD one yeterday and just removed the bottom bit of plastic - which is 2 small botls and a bit of fiddling to get out. Did not need to distort or crease the belt to get it on (or off for that matter.)

Is the need to remove the pulley just a myth to increase charges and put enthusiasts off doing the job?

Discuss!

[Ian_Fearn]

I've not needed to remove that bottom pulley either.

[Mr B]

Hmm. If you can get the belt back on with the pulley in place, why not! The bolt can be a total arse to shift and they have been known to snap

[AndersDK]

Believe its a myth from back in time where timing dowels were not commonly available to the average DIY'er.

[jeremy]

Question now is - can I do the ZX 1.9D which has a damper pulley which looks rather larger. Only answer is get down and have a look but I suppose the back of the pulley must be much the same as the belt is the same one and has to fit there!

[ken newbold]

I usually take the pulley off although I 've done them with it on, just find it easier with the pulley off.

Having said that, I did see a pug306 the other week with the pulley welded on assume it's like Mr B says. "the bolt can snap"

[Vanny]

Why take the bottom pulley off to change a cambelt??

Because i have a decent rattle gun and its easier to get the pulley off than faff with those tiny weeny bolts (which havent been put back in my car!).



Oh and i've come accross some of these plastic covers which are a complete circle behind the pulley and can't be removed, though i wonder if that was the 16v <awaits to be shown wrong>

[Stewart (oily!)]

I rarely need to remove the pulley either, once the plastic lower cover is out of the way theres no need .
Stewart

[Kitch]

You're supposed to take it off?