timing belt

[Blk95gs]

I just bought my car in March with about 77k miles on it. I have no records of any work the previous owner did to the car, and I know the timing belt needs changing at like 60-70k miles. My car now has 83,450 miles.

What I'm trying to say:
- would the belt have gone by now if it hadn't been replaced,
- how can I tell if it is about to go,
- and how much can I expect to pay to get it replaced?

Thanks

 

[eclipsegs96]

I am also looking into this now, i am being told to expect at least a 300 labor bill. While they are doing that you should replace water pump also and this is the time to get cam gears done as it is all right there.

 

[Blk95gs]

i was figuring about 400 so im not surprised, but im not even gonna do it unless im 100% sure its about to go.

 

[sicawd]

pop the front cover off and inspect the timing belt...that is the only "for sure" way to tell if belt need replacing...but there is another smaller belt on the bottom, the only way to inspect that is to take the cover off...and when you are there, just replace them both...if you are doing the work yourself...

my .3
yy

 

[dTERM]

You will only be 100% sure when you hear the joyous sound of your valves smacking your pistons. Plan on spending $300 for the belt replacement (Including labor for the whole job), $250 for the water pump and another $60 for the balancer belt and $100 for the tensioner. Don't skimp on the balance, if that little belt pops you could lose your new T-belt. It's $710 as the total bill, labor included. Less than the cost of rebuilding your upper engine. Of course the figures listed are rough estimates but that is the area you're looking at.

 

[GettinHUGE]

Originally posted by dTERM
You will only be 100% sure when you hear the joyous sound of your valves smacking your pistons. Plan on spending $300 for the belt replacement (Including labor for the whole job), $250 for the water pump and another $60 for the balancer belt and $100 for the tensioner. Don't skimp on the balance, if that little belt pops you could lose your new T-belt. It's $710 as the total bill, labor included. Less than the cost of rebuilding your upper engine. Of course the figures listed are rough estimates but that is the area you're looking at.

Or you can do it yourself for about $200 or less. Of course its not simple(its not complicated either really) and will require a pretty good time investment.

 

[Blk95gs]

yea i wish i could do it myself, but i definately dont have time, or the proper tools to do it with, or somewhere to do it for that matter. so i gotta drop all that extra money...ahh

 

[ECI Multi]

In addition to replacing both belts and the tensioner, check out all your idlers and make sure everything is ok with them, and replace your Cam, Crank, and front and rear balnce shaft seals theyre about 10 -20 bux for all of them and dont take much to change your already there anyway, make sure if you dont do it yourself to have a good mechanic do it, I see mechanics get the timing wrong all the time.

 

[ninja0331]

I just found out my timing belt needed replacing....

Since I was a little lazy yesterday and put it off till next week, I now have to change 16 bent valves, buy gaskets, get new valve seats done, replace pistons with cracked tops, and do alot of nasty #@%#@%#@%#@% I really wasn't planning on doing

 

[Snagglez]

My 93 Laser lasted until 85,867 miles before it broke one night. Nothing major happened. It may look hard to do but it actually was a simple replacement.

 

[dTERM]

My car had 108K on it, with the stock T-Belt. When I had it replaced there was a section where 2 teeth were missing down to the ropes. Luckily I decideded to have it swapped. The old lady I bought it from said she rarely drove it, her son had died a few yearsago but he didn't do any of the scheduled maintenance so I had it all looked over. New plugs, struts, boots, springs, T-Belt, Balance belt, idlers, hoses, accessory belts...all total it was $1,600 in upkeep repairs on top of the $2,100 for the car. The interior is all they really cared for, it's immaculate.

 

[lo eclipz]

the timing belt is recommended to change around the 90k mark i believe.

 

[lo eclipz]

i am already on my second change and i only have 90 k, but the second change is on the new engine.

 

[Blk95gs]

ive heard to change it anywhere from 60k to 100k, but someone told me it all depends on how hard you drive your car.

 

[MuRiX]

Ugh.

Best of luck to you guys who hold out for so long to change your belt. It can be done, sure, but I would rather the piece of mind knowing it is sorted out. The recommended interval is 60k. Remember the 420A is an interferance design (unless you have lower compression via pistons, but that is another story) and if you break a belt you will wreck your head. Not pretty. Get it done.

As for checking it,

Visually check for cracks, rubbing, worn rubber, and tension. Do this while it is cold. After you can start it up and listen for chirps, squealing, slapping, or any other sounds it might make. If you are still uncomfortable it might be worth taking it to a reputable mechanic to check out. Ultimately, I would rather be safe than sorry and have it done.