Lifespan of timimg belt

[New2DSM_NY]

My 99 has 195,000 miles. I'm not sure if the timing belt has been changed or not and I wanted to know how long those belts are supposed to go before they have to be changed. Thanks.

 

[hardcorandy]

Every 60k

 

[New2DSM_NY]

OK Thanks...

 

[BoostedBen]

60k miles. Or about 5 years.

 

[dsm03]

...and if you don't know if it has been replaced. DO IT NOW!!!

 

[nola talon]

^^^agreed. Do it asap. Everytime I've bought a car, if the previous owner couldn't tell me when it was changed last I've done it asap.

 

[DSM1G90]

Good one is to pop the top cover off to see the condition for starters, but true anytime you buy any used vehicle with tonnage of miles, esp over 60k miles... do the belt if it's a belt driven OHC motor.

If it's a chain driven OHC motor with tonnage of miles ... best do the chain also due to the tension runners and sprockets could be all worn out. Way to test chain is to see if you can lift the chain while across the sprocket and if the chain can be raised where half of the sprocket's tooth is exposed, it needs to come out.

 

[New2DSM_NY]

OK thanks guys. What's the going rate of having a belt done? I havent had one go on me in years. So does the 99 2.0 have a chain and some have a belt? Thanks again.

 

[russ96gst]

It has a belt, all dsm's do, cant tell you the going rate though as I just do it myself.

 

[New2DSM_NY]

OK Thanks again. I've only had my belts changed on my 87 Daytona Shelby Z back in about 89 and my Cadillac Catera 3 years and that was a major P.I.A. to get done. I'll leave that job to the pros.