Impact wrench for timing belt change

As the weather gets nicer here in the northeast I am planning ahead for my timing belt change along with other maintenance. I bought a fixer-upper 2003 AC this winter and it has been sitting since January. I jumped on the DeWalt 20volt bandwagon a few years ago and want to get a 1/2 inch impact wrench for working on the Tundra. Do people think the extra torque of the DCF899 (700ftlbs max and 1200ftlbs breakaway) is worth the extra cost (about $100 more) over the DCF894 (330ftlbs max and 600ftlbs breakaway)? I'm thinking of things like the harmonic balancer and other front end parts.

Thanks!

 

Yes!

 

Depends on how drastically bigger it is and if it'll fit where you need it. Always shoot for the biggest if it'll work.

I have the Milwaukee mid torque (600 ft lbs) because of its size. The high torque is too chunky for my usage (wheels/suspension).

 

That's a tough call.

The smaller 894 will be more convenient and will offer enough torque to handle 95% of the fasteners you'll encounter. Plus if you're dealing with a fastener that's in tight quarters, all the torque in the world won't help if you can't reach it.

On the other hand I've never heard anyone say, "I wish this impact wrench didn't have so darn much torque!"

 

Aside from the balancer bolt, an electric ratchet would likely be used more than an impact during a timing belt change. I highly recommend the milwuakee 3/8 electric ratchet, these things are awesome!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...attery-Charger-and-Tool-Bag-2457-21/202957709

 

I don't remember the balancer bolt being that big of an issue to remove with 1/2 inch drive breaker bar. You'll want to look into the Schley tool cause you also need to torque the bolt back on.

 

We’re assuming the radiator will be removed for maximum access?

 

I have this tool.... It's fantastic! Schley hit a home run with this thing... Part Number SCH64300. I bought mine used off eBay for 35 bucks.... Well worth it

 

I am removing (and replacing) the radiator so there should be good clearance.

 

You have clearance Clarence.

 

roger Roger...and don't call me Sherly

 

Surely Shirley.

 

The price seems to have gone up considerably.

 

What is that tools specific job? Can something else be used, say like an impact wrench, in its place?

 

It holds the harmonic balancer so it won't spin when you loosen/tighten the big nut on the front of the crank shaft. An impact works to remove it, but it's supposed to be torqued to a certain spec on install. Personally, I've just used my air-impact to tighten them in the past. I figure as long as my air-impact has a max torque higher than the spec, that's good enough for me. I know purists will scoff at my approach, but this is one of those times when the precise torque isn't critical, it just needs to be tight enough to keep it from backing off.

I've also used the old shade tree trick of cotton clothes line rope stuffed down cylinder #1 on a compression stroke. It worked quite well with no problem, but the air impact is just quicker and easier.

 

So no need for special tool if you have impact wrench.

 

I haven't done it yet, but according to this video you can use just an impact wrench if you don't have the harmonic balancer tool.

https://youtu.be/fM1A0DWhRHc?t=81

 

I've also heard of people making home made versions like this.

https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-crankshaft-pulley-holder-5

 

There are a number of homemade versions of the Schley tool, and even Toyota describes an SST that looks homemade, but yes, I would agree.... An impact would be fine to remove/install. The Schley tool does allow you access without removing the radiator, but it's too easy to pull it out and not risk damaging it. Plus, as was stated, the Radiator is cheap enough that replacement when you do the T-belt is a good idea.

Peace of mind...

 

IMHO: Yes. (Edit for clarity: Correct, no need for special tool if you have an impact, IMHO.)

But I appreciate people's desire to do it "right" and torque to spec. Personal preference.

 

I splurged (buy once, cry once) and got the DCF899. I'll report back when I do the timing belt how much “easier” it was with more torque