I've read several posts that deal with installing, but very few about removal. I've seen several cracked sprockets too. Surely I don't have to buy the special tool...what has everyone else done (that worked)?

Thanks!

The timing belt sprocket? Or do you mean the accessory drive pulley?

It's tough, but simple. All you really have to do is find 3 bolts.

- Soak the sprocket in Liquid Wrench every 10 minutes
- Get a regular harmonic balancer puller (3 slots for bolts)
- Go find some SUPER hard-to-find bolts that will fit.
- You'll need about 130mm long, grade 10.5 bolts if you can find em. (130mm x 6mm x 1.0 I think)
- Add several washers, and lubricate all threads and hardware with moly or grease.
- Torque each of the 3 bolts down evenly and make sure the puller is perfectly centered.
- Block the puller from rotating AT ALL. I use a huge 4x8, 2x4's, and big clamps.
- Soak it in Liquid Wrench again.
- Impact wrench. I've done it by hand but the bolts shear easier.

I searched about 10 industrial supply vendors specifically dealing in bolts and hardware. These bolts are HARD to find. Finally found the bolts at a frickin PepBoys though, so there's hope.

As an alternative, you can buy Grade 5 threaded steel rod just about anywhere. It will shear off and explode about 20 times, but eventually you'll get it.

^^^ Bingo I found mine at pep boys too...lol They are the same thread size and pitch as the bolts for your timing belt cover and they need to be longer just like ^^^^ he said. I got mine off with no problems and didn't even break a bolt.