I am getting ready to change the timing belt/water pump on my 2000 Protege.
I am seeing that the repair manuals are showing a tool to get the crank pulley off. Is this necessary or can it come loose easily after the crank bolt is out? Are there any other specialty tools needed for the timing belt replacement?
Thanks

 

you will need a tool to pull off the pulley. the exact set-up decides the exact tool. i have dealt with some that just needed a tool to hold the pulley still while you turn the bolts, but others are pressed on and the bolt in the middle doesn't do much to drop the pulley. it is just the installer bolt.

if the tool has three "claws" on it and a post going down the middle, it is pressed on and you have to have that tool to take it off.

 

Besides the belt kit will I need other items such as gaskets?