Hi there,

I am preparing to remove the cylinder head on my 97 mirage DE 1.5L and have a problem. I need to remove my Cam Sprocket but can't seem to find the proper tool or DIY method to hold the sprocket still while I loosen the bolt that holds the sprocket on the camshaft. The bolt is on there pretty good, 60 ft lbs I think. So I will need to apply a lot of force to get it off. Any tips on how to hold that puppy still?

If you have a manual trans, it is easy. Just put the car in top gear, set the handbrake, and loosen the bolt (a little driveline slack will have to be taken up, and it will have tightened from its original torque). I assume the timing belt is in place and tensioned, of course (not to be reused !!). Automatic, I remove the lower flywheel cover plate and have an assistant put a 17mm box wrench over one of the torque converter bolt heads, cover the other end with a rag and this way hold the engine against turning whilst you loosen the cam bolt. These methods can also be used to loosen the crank bolt, too, but avoid using the crank bolt to loosen the cam bolt or it may overtighten it.

with the old timing belt in place and cylinder head bolt still intact just use a hammer and a 17 wrench to loosen the bolt make sure you use the closed side of the wrench. hammer on. There is no need for special tool..the hammer is your special tool....hehehe...seriously it works and its very safe...