I changed the timing belt on my dad's 2001 accord which was an auto, but i got to wondering, on a manual could u put it in 1st gear and just hold the breaks? i mean theres a direct connection from the break pads to the crank shaft (pads to rotors, to axle, to transmission, to clutch, to flywheel to crankshaft, to bolt). Sounds to me like it could work? is there any reason it wouldnt?
Changing a Timing belt on a manual?
It works well enough (see the first source for details) although you want a higher gear so forces on the engine crankshaft (that's you) have minimum force on the wheels. I've done it before on a Nissan and there were no complications. I use an impact wrench (500 ft-lbs with the regulator at the tool) to get the bolt loose but with an automatic transmission I have to use the holder tool to torque it back down.
Changing a Timing belt on a manual?
the trans could hold the engine in place for you, and you probably wont need to hold the brakes if its in low gear, but why would you need to? you can put the car in gear (higher is easier) and roll the car a little to move the crank to the right position, if that helps.
