I've read through the archives and the issue of DIY timing belt changes has come up and the recurring answer is always that the timing belts are a huge PIA and way more troublesome than other makes/models.

What exactly makes that so? Is it that there is so much stuff to remove to get to it, or something else?

I've got a ton of stuff off of my engine right now so that I can do some other things including drive belts, and a timing belt is needed. My intake is out for spark plugs/wires/coils, my air cleaner box is out for a P/S hose replacement, the drive belts are off for replacement, and the right axle is out for replacement. So is there another consideration that should keep me from pulling more stuff out and doing the timing belt too?

This post has been edited by wmcraftXG: Aug 11 2008, 10:27 PM

the timing belt on an XG is a difficult and tricky job and l would not advise anyone other than a skilled tech. in a fully equiped workshop to undertake the job, although you may have stripped shed loads of stuff from your engine you would still need to remove the alternator and front engine mounting to enable you to remove the covers, next problem is to undo the crankshaft bolt which is very tight, if you get that far you will need to find a way of locking up the four camshafts to prevent them moving when the belt is removed. if you really want to go ahead l can guide you further

Might still take a go at this. This car has turned into a toy for me, and I've no need to rush it back on the road. There is an SPX tool to lock the cams, got a quote for $25.36 + shipping, but I'm not sure if I'd have to order two of those or if the single tool kit covers both cam sets. For the crank pully bolt, I have an impact gun, breaker bars and metal pipe. I was able to get the castle nut off of the axle with the breaker bar. I'm guessing that the torque required is roughly the same?? As for the alternator, there doesn't appear to be anything regarding removal/installation on the Hyundai hmaservice.com website so I'll get down to the garage tomorrow to take a peek.

If you have done belts in the past its not so tough. Mark the pulleys and their refrence BEFORE you remove the old belt and read the procedure BEFORE you begin. Turn the crank twice after you get the new belt and check your marks. If they ALL line up exactly button it up.

Looked back through the archives and found an old post from Montego on how to remove the alternator. Doesn't look too bad. Also, SPX confirmed that two cam lock tools come in the single order (part # 09231-39000) so I'll be getting that sometime next week.

There looks to be a few different brands of timing belt floating around with varied pricing. Anything I should be aware - quality issues or longevity of certain brands, etc...?

l would always use the 'gates' belt which is standard factory fitted