96 Geo Timing belt TDC Question

[greystoke]

Hi Everyone

I am replacing the timing belt on my 96 metro 4 cyl. for preventitive maintenance. I am curious why I need to worry about TDC.
I plan to just take the old belt off and slide a new one on without moving anything. Is that a bad way of doing it. Is it mandatory to get TDC?

Thanks,
Greystoke

[Crvett69]

you have to align the marks on the cam gear and on the crank gear to make sure its lined up right, it moght turn 1 tooth when you take old belt off or put new one on

[greystoke]

Thanks for the input. I will be sure to use TDC.