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Diagnosis and Part Selection Advice:
How did you know this part needed replacement? Why did you choose a certain brand/part number?
My Saturn dealer recommended that the timing belt be changed every 100k miles... at a cost of $750 at the dealer.
I chose to use the GATES belt because of brand recognition... GATES belts and hoses are use on NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars as well as with many NASCAR teams.
Part Comments
What came in the box? Were additional nuts, bolts, sealant, etc. needed for the repair?
The box came with a pre-lubricated timing belt and instructions for how to align the belt. The instructions at first didn't seem to make sense, but once I had access to the old belt still on the engine, the instructions made sense. No sealants were needed. An air compressor is recommended due to the dust build up inside of the dust cover.
Repair / Installation tips:
Special tools needed? Have to remove other parts to reach this one? Any left-hand threads, sharp edges, messy fluids or other pitfalls to avoid?
The only special tool you might need would be a tool for turning the belt tensioner while the jam-nut is tightened. I was able to do this with Vice Grips and had no problems.
You will need to place a jack under the engine to hold it up so that you can remove the right (front of engine) engine mount. You'll also need to remove a wiring harness conduit that is bolted to the dust cover, as well as the air box on top of the engine. This repair was much simpler than I expected, especially since my dealer wanted to charge me $700 in labor. I was able to complete the belt change in about 1h 30 mins. I'm glad I did it myself and saved so much money!!!