Degree of difficulty - Timing belt replacement

Hi folks,

I want to change the timing belt on my Malibu, is a 99 3.1L. As the title suggests I'm trying to get a sense on the degree of difficulty the job entails. I've changed two timing belts (maxima & camry), two starters (maxima and malibu), and one alternator (maxima) in my life. However, based on what I've read in this board and compared to those jobs, it seems that changing the timing belt on this car is not exactly a walk in the park since involves motor mounts and engine support.

Please advise.

Why the need for it if I may ask? Just as preventive maintenance?

The Chevy V6 engines don't use timming belts, they use timming chains which are pretty much undestructable... that's one feature I really like about this engines!

Hi,

Maybe I'm confusing what is normally a timing belt on other cars with what is labeled as serpentine belt in the Malibu 99

It's a fairly easy swap 10 minutes top if you're handy with tools I'm not sure on the 99 models if theres an engine mount on the way... If there is, then it's gonna take longer since the mount needs to be removed before the serpentine belt can be replaced.

I owned a 1991 3.1L Corsica and all needed was to loosen the belt tensioner (the longer the wrench or breaker bar the better) and remove the belt. Then re-rouute the new belt as the old one and last release the tention on the belt tensioner and your done!

Make sure you remember the correct routing of the old belt and or look at the underhood diagram to ensure the belt is routed accordingly. If there's no diagram then take some pictures if you have a digital camera for reference if you get stuck.

Also, most AutoParts chains can print you the instructions with diagrams, so they could tell you if there's an engine mount on the way... Hope that helps!

There is a mount in the way on a '99. For ours I support the engine properly from underneath, take off the two bottom bolts on the mount then lower the engine a little. It's still tight but you can work the belt between the mounts without taking them out.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I got the work done at strauss and replaced the alternator too... All for under $280.