Anybody want to help me change a timing belt?

[LUCA]

^^ Yep.
With 99,000 on the clock it is definitely due for a look/see.
Of course they just got dumped on by Mother Nature so that makes it hard with no garage.

 

[pre98zetec]

yup I say pull the cover off (2 bolts on the left side and move that stupid line) and it will slide right off. Inspect the belt for crack/missing teeth like others have mentioned. If all looks sound check how tight it is, it should be tight enough to where there is no slack when you press down in the middle of the belt between the cams.

if it's too bad don't drive it, it could blow at any time.. and if you have to stop quick when it blows.. well.. you're screwed. You won't mess the motor up because they're non-interference but you could get into an accident.

 

[Buddy Palumbo]

if it's too bad don't drive it, it could blow at any time.. and if you have to stop quick when it blows.. well.. you're screwed. You won't mess the motor up because they're non-interference but you could get into an accident.

It'll end up costing much more if the belt blows - you need to re-align everything then , instead of just keeping them in line (which is actually pretty easy on the Zetec) .