Q: How to replace the timing belt and what tools are necessary on Cadillac Catera?
A: The necessary toolkit for Timing Belt replacement includes Timing Belt alignment kit (J 42069), crank hub torx(R) socket (J 42098), as well as supporting tools j 42069-10, j 42069-1, j 42069-2, j 42069-30, and j 42069-40. Begin by viewing cold start readings on the tool while checking for belt cracking and doing a replacement if needed. Starting the procedure by removing the intake air resonator, intake plenum and Timing Belt cover before extracting the crankshaft balancer bolts together with the balancer itself. First install the j 42069-10 to the crankshaft sprocket when the crankshaft has a clockwise rotation at 60 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). Turn the crankshaft with j 42098 until the lever of j 42069-10 contacts the water pump pulley flange to avoid positioning the crankshaft 180 degrees off tdc. First secure the lever while installing j 42069-1 and j 42069-2 on the camshaft gears after necessary adjustments. First loosen the tensioner of the Timing Belt and idler pulleys before removing the Timing Belt. Depending on the installation of your new or used Timing Belt you need to verify that the directional arrows align with the crankshaft movement. Begin Timing Belt installation at the crankshaft sprocket while using j 42069-30 tool to grasp the belt components. Place the Timing Belt inside the camshaft gear path and Timing Belt Tensioner component while maintaining correct alignment between all elements. Use j 42069-40 to check the Timing Belt deflection before applying corrections through adjustments. The initial Timing Belt tension should be set before checking alignment marks while removing the locking tools from the system. Use tool j 42098 to rotate the engine while inspecting alignment after which you need to make required changes. Finish the reassembly process by installing the crankshaft balancer then the Timing Belt cover together with the intake plenum and intake air resonator and verify no tools are left inside the engine.