89 Camry timing belt replacement

Don't know if it's the same as 90 Camry with 3S-FE, but here is how you do it:

1. Raise the engine slightly.
2. Remove the small top angled bracket (the one attached to the top front of the engine).
3. Remove the three bolts/nuts that attach the mount to the frame.
4. From underneath (between the TB cover and the inside-wheel-well), remove the two bolts that attach the engine side-bracket to a large piece of metal (another bracket? this bracket is bolted to the mount from the top). Once these two bolts are removed, everything will come out.

much easier if you remove the crankshaft pulley first.

use a steering wheel or harmonic damper puller

Thanks "XYZ..." and "Daniel". With your help (especially the part about the nuts on the bottom) it became relatively easy to get the motor mount out. Now to get the pully off. Even with liberal use of an impact wrench and then a 1/2" breaker bar and a foot braced against a pry bar (at 67 I'm getting too old for this) I can't break the bolt loose. It's not a "reverse thread" is it ??? I'll keep at it. Thanks again.

The nuts on the bottom are the key. Both Haynes and Toyota manual did not mention it. It took me several try to realize that's the only way to take the mount out.

As for the pulley, Haynes is right. You need a proper size and strong screw driver (I used an Allen wrench) to insert into one of the two small holes on the pulley. Then pivot a pry bar between the screw driver (or Allen wrench) and socket of the breaker bar to hold the pulley. The other end of the pry bar needs to be against the front frame. May have to give it a few try to hold it still.

Good luck!

BTW, the bolt is NOT reverse threaded. You need to turn it counter-clock wise to loose it.

On later Camrys (I can't speak directly for an 89) this bolt is inserted with thread lock compound. I tried the biggest impact wrench I could get in there and it still did not loosen. A mechanic advised me to warm the bolt somewhat (although I think heating it too much would be a bit risky) to soften the thread lock.

On my 94 it is not a reverse thread.

Geoff

Thanks again. Agreed that the pry bar needs to be against something SOLID. No offense taken, XYZ, but I don't think my strength is the limiting factor. Trying some heat may help but I'm always worried about twisting off a bolt. (How many times have I had that happen !!!!) I was puzzled at first about how to use a puller until I investigated further -- sure enough there are threads deeper in the two holes. I'll try again when it stops raining. (If I manage this job some of the money I save will go to charity. ) Jim H.