get a book at your local autoparts store!... this will be helpful for much more than changing a timing belt... there are many intricate steps and alignments that MUST be exactly followed to allow your car to run without MAJOR damage after the belt has been changed... and will require special tools including air impact, etc THIS IS NOT A JOB FOR A BEGINNER!!!
I dont agree that you need an impact at all it is very simple as you approach most of it through the wheel well. You can even leave the tire on just turn it to the left. Once yo have the alternator out just take off covering in wheel well you will see everything clearer then. Hardest trick is alternator in whole job. You should put in new water pump while your there.
yes
Front of engine (behind serpentine belt).
if im not mistaken..it is behind the timing cover..it runs off the timing belt You are correct. It is the belt tensioner for your timing belt and a pain to release to release the tension and also not the easiest to replace.
Timing belt replacement is a pretty big job. I'd go to the parts store and pick up a Chilton or Haynes manual.
Sunburst?
Mine did this and I found out it was the timing belt that needed to be changed.
I've been informed it has a timing chain, not belt, and therefore does not need to be replaced.
After you have released the tension from the belt, remove the 2 obvious bolts that hold it to the engine block.
Check autozone.com it tells a bit about it. some engines you have to remove the timing belt so its not a very east job.
I don't know the cost as that depends on where you live, but may I give you some advice. As the water pump is driven by the timing belt, if this car has over 100,000 miles on it, replace the timing belt at the same time as the belt. This will save you money down the road when the pump fails. The belt should be replaced every 60,000 miles.
It has a Timing Belt.
Does not have a belt, timing chain only, no maintenance required. Just keep your oil changed regularly.