I've been researching a timing belt job on our '05 honda pilot. Nowhere does anyone mention locking the cams on their 3.5L transverse dohc v6.

I read a dozen articles and watched some vids and they all marked the cam/belt/block. So I expanded my search to other makes and didn't find any others using such a tool.

Any thoughts on why not? was my search faulty??

thanks!

 

You don't 100% need the tool, but it gives you peace of mind. In my case, one of the cam sprocket bolts was seized, so I'm sure glad I had the tool at my disposal.

 

i guess i should say an OE tool. I've seen plenty of 3rd party ones and diy hacks

 

from what I can find on the web it *is* an interference engine

 

Some (many, most) engines have a "keyed" mount point for the cam sprockets while the Audi version of the truth can spin freely until torqued down; it is the flanges which are keyed. The good news is that feely spinning sprockets make the job of fitting a timing belt marginally easier, the bad news is the need (optional for some folks) for the cam lock tool.

I've done engines both ways and in spite of the hassle of renting the tool (or the expense of buying it), I kinda-sorta prefer things the Audi way.

 

I'm definitely in the use the cam lock tool camp. It's weird to me that there are so few other makes that have them.

 

I've done my T-belt twice, once because it needed to be changed and the second time because my waterpump was leaking. I didn't use the Cam lock bar either time. Like Redmond said, it's peace of mind.. And that's it. If you mark everything you shouldn't have any issues.

Since I've done it twice without, I don't see the need to get one of those bars but if you have extra money to spend on an 80 dollar piece of metal go for it.

JHmotorsports makes a great timing belt DVD for the 2.8/2.7t by the way...

 

I understand the marking but definitely don't mind the lock bar as insurance.

I donated and got the jhmotorsports video and I did really like that vid too!

 

On my Nissan, the crank and all four camshaft gears have marks from the factory that match up with marks on the plate behind them. Plus the timing belt has marks that match up with the marks on the crank and camshaft gears. It was really pretty simple. But it is nice to have the locking tools for the Audi. It gives you piece of mind.