Replacing Timing Belt on Car

[Jodi1980]

Someone told me this should be at about 80,000 miles - what will it actually do for the car?

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

Why do it if there is nothing wrong with it?

 

[bumcat]

Depending on the car some timing belts are made of metal and some are made of some type of plastic. The metal ones can do lots of damage if it breaks.
We had one that broke on our old Nissan and had to get it replaced then. Luckily my husbands friend was able to put one in.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

bumcat is right, on certain engines if the timing belt breaks the valves are wrecked and you have a HUGE repair bill. Check your owners manual because it is not true of all cars.

 

[Dizz-knee-whirl]

The timing belt acts as the coordinator of your engine's activities. It tells what valves to open when. When the belt breaks the valves go haywire and open and close at the wrong times if at all. This often leads to much more costly repairs because the pistons smash into the valves, etc. This is a simple, but effective description of the timing belt's duties.

There are timing belts and timing chains. Belts are made of a rubber polymer and cahains of metal. If either of these were to break it would cost lots to repair all the damage. Timing belts should be replaced according to the manufacturer's maintenence schedule (usu near 80000mi). Timing chains may need an inspection but should last much longer than timinig belts.

I would change the belt even though nothing is wrong now. Spend a little now of a lot later. For my budget it would be more like spend a lot now or a whole lot more later. Either way, I'd recommend replacing the belt as soon as it is feasable, but definately before it breaks.


hope i've helped
ryan

 

[MarkRG]

Dizz-knee-whirl, you beat me to it! I was going to write the same exact thing. I used to be an auto mechanic and I can't tell you how many motors have had a very expensive repair, if not replacement because of a less-than $100 belt. Don't ever skimp on the maintainance for your car, it'll save you big $ in the long run for sure. And even with timing chains, you need to consult with someone, some chains have weaknesses too.

 

[J&D]

I can't tell you how many motors have had a very expensive repair, if not replacement because of a less-than $100 belt.

Our car has almost 100,000 miles, and we are planning on replacing the timing belt soon. Our local dealership said they would change it and the drive belts for $359 with tax. Is this too high for this service?

 

[Jodi1980]

I just got mine replaced - it was about $350 also.

 

[bpr2002]

Sigh..my car wouldn't start this morning. AAA finally showed up and towed it to the mechanic. And voila' the timing belt had broken. My car has around 95,000 miles but I could have sworn my dad made them change the timing belt a few months ago. Gee, I hope it won't be more than around $350.00 to fix.

 

[Jodi1980]

I was told that if the belt breaks, you are looking at about $1500

 

[WebmasterAlex]

That number really depends on the car Jodi and can vary widely