Hi guys, I've been working on changing my timing belt this whole afternoon on my 3.0. Today was my first time doing it so some things took a while because I progressed and learned things.

But I got a big problem, the very left timing belt cover bolt is being blocked by the power steering pump fluid resevoir, so I'm unable to reach it.

I find it strange that the PS pump would be mounted so close to the engine on my car, as I noticed in other 3VZ-E pictures and tutorials the PS pump sits farther from the engine and the very left timing cover bolt can be easily accessed.

Now to the whole reason why I created this thead; I was wondering whats up with my pump, and how can I take off the pulley? I need to remove it so I can get to one of the mounting screws. Do I need a special tool of some sort? Because I've pulled at the pulley with all my might and it hasn't budged, and I'm afraid of damaging some of the internals.

Thanks

 

Can you post a picture of it?

 

There ya go. Compare the position of the pump to the pump in this picture...



Notice the distance?

 

Did you loosen the adjuster bolt on the power steering bracket, and the pivot bolt?
I think as the belt stretches and you have to adjust it...the resivoir naturally pivots toward the timing cover.
Or take the pump off it's not that much more work.
Nice pics by the way.

 

The FSM calls to remove the PW pump. It looks like the one on top has been adjusted in for to remove the belt.

While you're in there, check the upper idler arm (right there in the top middle) for wear/noise; now's a good time to replace it shows andy signs of wear. ALso, how many miles are on the engine & when was the last time it had a water pump? All good things to do while you have the front off it...

 

The thing is I don't know how to take the pulley off to reach one of the nuts. I don't know if I don't have the right tools or...?

 

Just loosen the mount bolt, and adjusting bolt, then take off the belt. The pump will pull right out of your way.

 

FYI: if you didn't take out the radiator, now would be a good time because you're going to wish you did pretty soon...!

 

grr the mount bolt is so rounded down that I can't get a grip on it for the life of me. I can't use an allen wrench either as the pulley is in the way.

someone has definitely been struggling here the same way I am.

 

See if you can get some Vise-grips on there, and remove the bolt. Then go to toyota, or a junkyard and get a new one. Also as said above, removed the shround, then the radiator, and get them out of the way.