Timing Belt Replacement

I have an 03 elantra that has 61,000 miles on it and I know the
recommendation is to change the belts at 60,000. I haven't had the
money to do it but since I've been unemployed. I have to go to New
Jersey from CT for a job and wonder if I would be taking a big risk
driving my car without the belt change. They charge around $350.00 to
do it around here and it's just too much right now.

Thanks.

 

It's a risk, but not a big one.
Do not leave it too long before getting it replaced.
Age as well as mileage should be considered
when replacing perishable items like belts
and hoses.

 

I'd go with a fair amount of confidence. A belt can go at any time, but the
60k figure has some safety factor built into it. If you get the job, put
some money away for the replacement though, eventually it will break.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've already gotten the job, I have to travel
for the training so once I get back on track financially, I will do
it. I had planned to do it a while ago but losing a job changes most
plans.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've already gotten the job, I have to travel

..
FWIW I changed the timing belt at 100k (under warranty until then in
California). I'm not suggesting that you do the same - just pointing out
that the belt can last a lot longer then the 60k recommended interval.

 

yeah, I guess it should be ok. Right now it's only 1000 miles over
the 60k. I'll just keep my fingers crossed. I'm sure lots of people
wait on this service and are ok. Thanks

 

The big question is - is the engine interference or non-interference?


---MIKE---

 

Are there non-interference engines that use timing belts?

Jon

 

Yes, some have two versions. The older Ford Probe V-6 in interference, the
Mazda 6 version is non interference. Identical block, different internals.
All the information you need is on the Gates belt web site

 

I went to the Gatesbelt web site and couldn't find any way to get the
information.


---MIKE---

 

Yes, the Delta engine on the Elantra is a KABOOM! engine, mine hold it
with not problems until 6 years old.

 

Both of these have the info
http://www.gates.com/part_locator/index.cfm?location_id=3598
http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=428-1466_web.pdf&folder=brochure

 

Yikes! My daughter's 2001 Forester is 20K past due for a timing belt (she
said it was die at 120K). I know on my Santa Fe you replace the water pump
at the same time as the timing belt since you pretty much disassemble
everything you need to except for the pump itself when you replace the belt.
Would this be true for the Forester engine as well? The Gates catalogue does
not indicate it's a timing belt driven water pump.

Jon

 

Sorry, thought I was in the Subaru group.
Jon