how much is just the timing belt change? I'm only at 43000 but it might be a good idea to put it on my to do list.

 

You're looking at a couple hundred at the dealership. Mine quoted me roughly $400.

Much less at a private mechanic (lower hourly rate, they get a discount on parts).

Super cheap if you can DIY.

 

would i need any special tools such as torque wrenches or belt tension gauge(is that what its called?). I have a pretty good set of wrenches and ratchet wrenches and a 300psi impact wrench. Is there a diy thread or would i juts have to kinda wing it?

 

I'm at 64K and will be changing mine within the next month.

 

Timing belts is matter of alignment of all the pulleys...you really don't need an impact wrench unless you are putting on the lightened pulley.

You gotta line up the crank with the intake and exhaust CAMS. Anyone have a diaghram of the timing belt routing as well as how to line up the marks? I have done this before in my volvo on a DOHC engine...not that bad to at all

 

hmm... im at 100k and change. i pulled the valve cover off last weekend to change the gasket, and my timing belt is still great. belts not cracking, not dried out, good to go... ehh, ill change it later!

 

We had a timing belt mishap last month. Did not break the belt, the crankshaft sheared all of the teeth on the belt at the bottom. Had the head redone, bent 8 of the 16 valves. Got it all back together only cost around 500. It was not that bad to do. Altough the torque specs for the head a terrrible and that leaks after it all got put back togther. (As you can see from me earlier post) But just to do the timing belt it is pretty easy, it can be done on a Saturday with no problem!! While your in there be sure to to do the water pump. You probably will need the air tools to take the bolt off of the cranskhaft. I took off the motor mount also which made life alot easier. But be sure to have a jack under it when you take off that mount!! Also it is easir to time it before you take off the old belt so you do not have do full rotatation after the belt is off, if you are not careful you will hit the piston with the vavles. Let me know if you have any other questions I will try and answer as best as possible!

 

mvarcola, do you have pics? If so, I know a lot of people are waiting for a write-up.

 

I think some people are going overboard on the paranoia. If you are NA, T-belt can be changed at 60-100K . . . at most 120K or the t-belt starts to harden (whichever first).

If you are turbo or have a big displacement motor like a Porsche 944 (3 liter 4 banger) . . . change it at 60-65K.

At the dealership for t-belt change, it's about 400 smackers. I'm not sure if they do the water pump, hope so at that frickin' price.

 

bahumut, what do you recommend for my currently situation. I am at about 68k miles mostly freeway miles and I have had my vehicle for about 3 years (1st owner). I live in central ca so it doesn't snow. I went FI at about 35k miles and I am pushing 9psi. Should I change it now? I am looking to change it out this month or the next along with all my other belts.

 

^^^^

Yes . . . once you go FI, you put more wear and tear on the belt. Do it religiously like DSM'ers and 944 owners.

BTW: Despite the later mileage going turbo, I'm not going to say do it at 90K. Besides, you didn't run on a virgin T-belt when you turbo-ed your car.

Don't forget your water pump. might as well do it.

 

is there an easy way to check the timing belt to see if its cracked or dried, also how do u check the water pump?

 

Im going to buy my timing belt this weekend... coming up on 60k

 

I got all my belts replaced including the water pump and timing belt at 68, 055 miles. When I took them off they looked like they were in good shape still. In anycase it is tone and I need to take the timing gun to my car later on today. Yes another 68k for my lancer!

 

so how much would a timing belt and water pump run just by itself???????
I'm only at 44,000 right now......but maybe i'll still be in school by the time i hit 60...so i could just buy the parts.....and have one of the auto tech instructors give me a hand at replacing my timing belt and water pump since they are all knowledgeable about cars. I think they are all ASE certified master mechanics

Do you have to remove the front bumper for easy access????? cause i'm not about to lift up the engine in that sucka