Timing belt broke

The proper tool is only $21 on Amazon. I've tried making the tool and they always bent. So if you do make it, ensure it's substantial.

Edit: See below. The tool is more like $50. Still worth it IMO.

 

Sorry. It should have said JAM. I used a screwdriver in the teeth and locked it against the bellhousing.

 

Looks like the OP has a 3.4 so he’ll need a tool like this.

$47 CASTNOO Harmonic Damper Pulley Holding Tool Crankshaft Holder Compatible with Tacoma 4Runner T100 Tundra Pickup

https://www.amazon.com/CASTNOO-Harm...shaft+tool+tacoma+accessories,aps,170&sr=8-10

 

Fred,
You can save yourself a lot of frustration & grief by watching this video, especially the tip at 5:24. Using that tip, the new OEM timing belt slipped right on with no struggling at all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRH2RMG84aE&list=PL2i7Lp5Kw82-YQos1mZpcui0ON40CnoOu&index=9

I used this Toyota tool set with a breaker bar on my '97 3.4L Taco which made the job very easy.

Harmonic Damper Pulley Holding Tool & Crankshaft Pulley Holder for Toyota Tacoma Nissan Camry etc.

Amazon.com: Harmonic Damper Pulley Holding Tool & Crankshaft Pulley Holder for Toyota Tacoma Nissan Camry etc. : Automotive.

The best value high quality timing belt kits are sold by "aircabinman" on ebay and the AISIN kit at RockAuto. Both vendors are A+++++. Good luck!

 

So unfortunately I didn't have enough time to work on replacing timing belt. But I cut a piece of decking (five quarter) with jig saw to fit perfectly into crankshaft pulley attached to a piece of 3" flat stock bolted through with 2) 8mm bolts then drilled a 1" hole saw in middle so deep socket fit though broke 19mm loose with 1/2 breaker bar with pipe on it and two guys it was fnnn tight thanks for advice this was helpful for me to figure how to make a tool

 

I have watched this guy he is great if I wanted someone too work on my truck this would be the guy! very very anal definitely doesn't skip anything a little over the to for my rig

 

Got the belt tensioner back bolt out without removing AC and power steering pump I don't know if a 3/8" drive would fit (tight spot)I used a 1/4" it broke loose. I'll let everyone know if I can get bolt back in this tight spot doesn't look easy

 

I can't believe it I put it all together today and it started right up! The new belt came with 3 lines marked on it right and left cam and crank. The lines on left and right cam were not possible to have on either because they were right on top of belt tooth but it did help keep the two lines same distance from timing mark. I have no idea what crankshaft line was for because it was no where close to timing mark plus timing mark is on top on crank so IDK. One important thing to know is keep bolts loose on tensioner so you have a enough play to get belt on also I really don't think it is possible to use a 3/8 drive to install the back bolt on tensioner I didn't try but the 1/4 was a tight fit! The belt was replaced before because it said napa on it.i think the rest parts were original

 

I didn't remove AC compressor or power steering pump

 

Yikes, a broken timing belt is no fun—I’ve been there with my old 3.4! First off, you’re right about needing the crank at 0. To check if the piston is at TDC (top dead center), you can pull the #1 spark plug and use a long screwdriver or similar tool to gently feel for the piston as you rotate the crank by hand. Be super careful not to scratch anything inside.

When I dealt with mine, I also checked for any valve damage since a broken belt can cause issues there. On a side note, if you’re replacing parts, it’s worth looking into components that reduce nvh (noise, vibration, harshness)—I upgraded a few bits, and it made the engine run much smoother