Hi guys, I am changing the timing belt on my 1999 Tercel and I have reached the point where I need to undo the nut holding the bottom pulley assembly onto the end of the crank. Is there a clever way of locking the pulley in place while you undo the nut....?

The instructions I have talk about holding the assembly with a special tool, I am guessing that most people don't own one so whats the work around?

Any help most appreciated, thanks

There's a guy who posted a really helpful timing belt guide online for 95-99 Tercels: http://www.geocities.com/jeffreyasiegel/tercel.htm?20067

He suggests using a 19" chain wrench to hold the pulley still. However, I found that if you follow the transmission housing up the front of the engine (just below and to the left of the lower radiator hose), there's a bolt hole that's directly in front of the flywheel teeth (I've tried to attach a picture but I don't think it worked). I stuck a screwdriver into the teeth and it locked the engine in place perfectly. If you can get the screwdriver to stay in there somehow, you can leave it there while your doing the timing belt so at least the low end can't move while you're working. Good luck.

Many thanks for the comment Harrington.

I did manage to change the timing belt without too much trouble, and locked the belt pulley on the end of the crank pretty much as you suggested. I used a 19mm wrench and braced it against the box section that runs past the pulley. The job would have been very easy if I had a chance to read through the guide posted on your Geocities link. It was excellent.

It was interesting that the Geocities post mentions a chipped pulley. The material used is extremely fragile and ANY stress will break a piece off. I did the same thing and chipped mine. I dressed the edges and refitted it. I will keep an eye on the belts to make sure that they are not starting to wear at this point.

Thanks!