My wife has a 2002 hyundai elantra with 34,000 miles on it. Supposedly the timing belt needs to be replaced every 60,000 miles or five years. We're well under the mileage, but have exceeded the number of years, and we're about to take a driving trip. Is it risky to put off changing the timing belt? Thanks.
Timing belt - do I need to replace it?
- Thread starter MTF
- Start date
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
The manufacturer will specify a time and/or a mileage to replace the belt. This is because the rubber ages, like tires that never get driven and get cracks and breaks after a few years.
Now, here's what you need to know-there are two kinds of engines. Interference and non-interference. On an interference engine, when the timing belt breaks, the valves will usually hit the pistons and cause major damage. On a non-interference engine, the car just quits, but it won't ruin the engine.
Most Toyotas (except V-8's) are non-interference engines. Hondas are all interference engines (as far as I know).
I don't know which your car is-you should find this out before something bad happens.
Now, here's what you need to know-there are two kinds of engines. Interference and non-interference. On an interference engine, when the timing belt breaks, the valves will usually hit the pistons and cause major damage. On a non-interference engine, the car just quits, but it won't ruin the engine.
Most Toyotas (except V-8's) are non-interference engines. Hondas are all interference engines (as far as I know).
I don't know which your car is-you should find this out before something bad happens.
NCAAFBALLROX
1,000+ Posts
While Accurate is infinitely more knowlegable in this area than I am, I will suggest that IF you make a belt change, go with a GoodYear Gatorback. Spend the few extra bux to get a good one.
Also, if you have a transverse engine (i.e. front wheel drive & the engine sits sideways under the hood), you'll probably have to jack the engine OFF the motor mount to change the belt.
On my GM truck, it's about a 2 minute operation with the tension pulley & a ½" drive ratchet (no socket needed).
Also, if you have a transverse engine (i.e. front wheel drive & the engine sits sideways under the hood), you'll probably have to jack the engine OFF the motor mount to change the belt.
On my GM truck, it's about a 2 minute operation with the tension pulley & a ½" drive ratchet (no socket needed).
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
I believe you may be thinking serpentine belt, instead of the timing belt, NCAA-two different animals. The timing belt is further in, under the two timing covers, requiring harmonic balancer removal, as well as removal of the fan belts or serpentine belt is so equipped. Also, on many cars the timing belt turns the water pump under those covers, so the shop will ask if you want a new water pump in that case, because the timing belt has to be removed to change the water pump.
The Bandit
100+ Posts
No need to worry NCAAFBALLROX since GM was kind enough to put a timing chain in your truck. No need to replace those
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
Engines with timing chains will not call for the timing chain to be replaced as a maintenance item. But they do eventually wear out. They should last 200k or so, but some don't. Changing oil regularly is really important to the life of a timing chain.
The chain will stretch over its life and eventually hit the timing cover, making a funny ticking or slapping noise. Then you will need the timing chain replacement job, which is more expensive than a timing belt replacement.
The chain will stretch over its life and eventually hit the timing cover, making a funny ticking or slapping noise. Then you will need the timing chain replacement job, which is more expensive than a timing belt replacement.
Summerof79
2,500+ Posts
At 34K I would probably say **** it and just head out. Most belts are not going to fail at 34K even if the mfg suggests making a change every five years... Depends on if you want to drop the $300 before the trip.
Though as has been pointed out, if it breaks it can potentially cause you problems, or if it's an issue with warranty coverage I might do it.
Though as has been pointed out, if it breaks it can potentially cause you problems, or if it's an issue with warranty coverage I might do it.
NCAAFBALLROX
1,000+ Posts
Accurate, you are right... I saw the word "belt" & my brain glazed over the word "timing".
mmm... glazed donut...
mmm... glazed donut...
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
The timing belt job can be quoted as just the labor and the belt, but in many models it is wise to replace a few more things which add up to more, of course. You have to take the fan belts off, so you might as well do them.
The water pump may be accessible only after removing the timing belt. If so, the shop will probably ask you if you want to do it as an option, because if the water pump starts leaking six months later, you will pay for the same labor again.
And on some models it is a good idea to change the cam seal and/or crankshaft oil seal which are easy to get at when the timing belt is off.
Also, there is a tensioner or two in there, and on Hondas we usually don't change them on the first timing belt job, but the car usually needs them the second time around. Other models might be different, might need them sooner. Also, some shops might not want to do the job without changing the tensioners because of warranty concerns or desire to make more money on the job.
With your low mileage, unless the shop knows the water pumps/tensioners tend to go out early, you probably could do just the belt and the fan belts.
The water pump may be accessible only after removing the timing belt. If so, the shop will probably ask you if you want to do it as an option, because if the water pump starts leaking six months later, you will pay for the same labor again.
And on some models it is a good idea to change the cam seal and/or crankshaft oil seal which are easy to get at when the timing belt is off.
Also, there is a tensioner or two in there, and on Hondas we usually don't change them on the first timing belt job, but the car usually needs them the second time around. Other models might be different, might need them sooner. Also, some shops might not want to do the job without changing the tensioners because of warranty concerns or desire to make more money on the job.
With your low mileage, unless the shop knows the water pumps/tensioners tend to go out early, you probably could do just the belt and the fan belts.
mishatx
1,000+ Posts
(almost) all Hyundai cars have interference engines. This is part of the reason for the 5 yr / 60K schedule on the timing belt, as they want to make sure you get it replaced early enough that it won't blow out while the powertrain warranty is still in effect.
IME, timing belts on a Hyundai must be more work or something, and cost 1.5 - 2x more than they might on a similar car of another make.
IME, timing belts on a Hyundai must be more work or something, and cost 1.5 - 2x more than they might on a similar car of another make.
Weekly Prediction Contest
* Predict HORNS-AGGIES *
Sat, Nov 30 • 6:30 PM on ABC
Recent Threads
-
Thoughts on Fidium Fiber?
- Started by Dionysus
- Replies: 10
- Horn Depot
Prediction Results Threads
