Caligirl4ever

So, at what mileage have you changed the timing belt (not chain)? I'm reading from 60K to 100K.

Suggestions?

NC Penguin

If you're talking about a vehicle, I would refer to the manual for the answer.

Caligirl4ever

Yes I'm talking about a car... I went through this with my dealership about two months back. When I went in for the 60k service, they presented a list of repairs that were needed, and they implied that the repairs were required. When I pressed the mechanic he said that the belts are recommended at this mileage but I did not absolutely need them at this time. He said that he would feel better if I had the timing belt replaced as a preventative measure, but it was ultimately my choice. "Interesting"

Kali-forniarrr

I recollect with an old banger that I once had that the timing belt broke, resulting in a seized engine and right off.

Tarkak9

that mileage range is about right. Many people conveniantly 'overlook' replacing it as they tend to sell/trade the car beforehand. Depending on the vehicle, it can be a few bob as a small tear down is often involved.

find a gearhead forum relevent to your vehicle and ask there your q's and concerns or sift through their advice.

Giantaxe

That certainly used to be (is?) true of some Japanese cars; I think US cars tend to be a bit more forgiving and merely stopped as opposed to destroying the engine.

Ray

Yup.. thats about the right mileage
anf if you have a serpentine belt replace at 30000


http://autorepair.about.com/od/gloss...-belt-info.htm

md95065

Normal recommendation is between 60K and 80K.

In practice anything up to 100K should be OK, but I wouldn't leave it any longer than that.

Kali-forniarrr

Excellant diagnosis doctor, it was a Japanese banger. Probably irrelevant to this discussion...but qudos to you!

md95065

The important issue is the type of engine that you have - "interference" or "non-interference".

In an "interference" engine the valves can come into contact with the pistons if their movement is not properly synchronized (which is what happens when the timing belt breaks)

In a "non-interference" engine this cannot happen.

Check out this link for more information about recommended replacement intervals for different engine types.

Bill_S

What car? Interference engine or not?
If interference engine == yes, then change at 60K. Don't push it. If it's a non-interference engine, a broken belt is an inconvenience, not a disaster. About 60K still recommended, but you can wait a bit if money is tight.

Bluegrass Lass

If you decide to replace timing belt/chain, I wouldn't do it at the dealership. You'll get hosed on the cost. Go to your local mechanic.

Damn, guess this means I need to have our '98 Nissan checked out. I've only ever replaced the serpentine belts and regular oil changes. This could be pricey.

Bob

bloody things, around $250 odd after the labour is added in...

find a decent dodgy local garage that's been recommended rather than a dealer or a chain place like midas etc...

AdobePinon

Yep - just look in the manual. My Civic is 110k. Had mine changed at at 107k - apparently it was just fine, but I wouldn't push it further than what the manual states. And no point doing it much earlier either. 60k is typical for most older cars.

And ditto about finding a good mechanic, rather then the dealer.

RoadWarriorFromLP

This is good advice. If you have a Japanese car, chances are good that a broken timing belt will destroy your engine. Change these on schedule.