The truth about our timing belts

[Lboogs]

Hello all,

I have been reading previous post regarding timing belts and I'm in need of some answers. First off I have an '02 LX 5spd with a little over 81k on the motor. Bought in April with 78k+ miles. Had first oil change when it hit 80k, this is when the paranoia set in. The mechanic informed that I should consider having the timing belt, tensioner and water pump replaced. I read the manual and I no it says to have it done at 105k. Since then I've been wondering if he just saying that based on when the average belt replacement or if he saw or heard something indicating that. Turns out it was due to mileage and average replacement. I've also found out that whenever I call a local shop or dealership whether Mazda, Ford, or HOnda they all say yeah it's time to change it. What I would like to learn from the actual owners who have had it replaced, or know of someone who has. what was the reason for getting it done?{Preventative maintenance, it broke, fear and paranoia etc} Also what mileage was it done at? If it did break were there any warning signs? How long do our belts last under normal driving conditions?
I know visual checks don't say it all, but I've asked mechanics if they would consider removing the VC and looking at it. The response has always been, if we take the cover off we might as well change it. So guys and gals, please feel free to chime in and share your experiences, or those of other owners.

Thanks

also my reason for the paranoia was b/c there never seems to be a clear cut answer to if the engine is interference or not. Even outside of this forum the answers are mixed

 

[slavrenz]

Dude, you can take the valve cover off yourself and look at the belt - a new gasket is only about $25.

As for me, I changed mine at 105k miles, and it showed little to no signs of wear. I can't think of anyone who's had their belt break before 105k miles, so I'd say as long as you're not abusing the engine, just wait.

If you don't want to do it yourself, throw $500 in a high yield savings account for a few years to save up for the job...

 

[Lboogs]

^^^^^^
lol..................I hear you. Although I know it could be very simple to remove, I'm not mechanically inclined and I would hate to do something stupid. Thanks for the response

 

[ucMP3]

I don't think you should have anything to worry about until at least 105k miles when the recommended interval is. I know of many people who didn't change theirs until over 150k miles and it still was working fine when they replaced it... I happened to replace mine when I blew the motor @ 86k, lol.

 

[ghostbusters]

i changed mine at 100k(belt looked like it could easily handle twice that mileage tho), did it just because i was having work done on the car so got it in same time, tho to get it done here cost like $400 TTD which is about 64 bucks to you guys, auto and dental work is much cheaper here, lol.

 

[Lboogs]

^^^^^
sup breds?...............I have fam out in T&T {Point, and Lavantille[sp]} I from Grenada, shout out to all the West Indian massive on the forums.

 

[breiland]

What I was told and have read is that if you live in a cold climate (like 3/4 of Americans) you should change the timing belt every 60,000 miles. I changed mine at 89,000 because I was planning on pushing it to 100,000 but my water pump was leaking, so I replaced both.

 

[dacquesta1]

in my fp-de the timing belt lasted to 197k miles. then the motor died on me 2 weeks ago at 200k lol

 

[Lison]

'Just bought a 2000 with a 1.6 liter that has 226,000 miles, 1 owner, who never replaced the belt. I just took it off and it's got some cracking, but teeth look decent. I think it would have had some miles on it yet.

 

[tweety2300]

No, once a crack goes all the way across its on it's last few thousand miles if that. I hope you went ahead and replaced it...

 

[Installshield 2]

yeah if its visibly drying out and cracking...just replace it. I know the 2.0's are non-interference, so worst thing that happens is you get stranded somewhere (although not positive about 1.6's)...personally i'd just replace it. Its not a terrible job for a weekend.

I replaced mine when i put cams on with 50,000 miles or so...but didn't replace the tensioner...so I got to do everything all over again around 90,000...now at 155,000 nearly, but am needing a clutch replacement this winter...will do everything again when the entire engine is out...in that case it will take 15 minutes.

 

[Alejo_NIN]

if you want to help the economy of this country by employing a no-life meachanic, by all means, change it.
if you worry about your hard earned cash and want to get as much life out of your car, wait until what the manual says, after all, it was ******* mazda who manufactured that car, no Juan from the car shop

 

[dacquesta1]

he said his was cracked...clearly needing replacement.

 

[Alejo_NIN]

he said his was cracked...clearly needing replacement.

meh, i did 150K with my timing belt...

 

[80sGuy]

Did my timing belt and water pump at 78,000 miles from the Mazda dealer. Kind of early I know. I'm at 150k+ now and planning on doing in a bit later - perhaps close to 180,000 miles.

 

[Jaleik]

Changed the one on my fs-de at 70k and then again at 80k when I built the engine but the car was in cold weather and thats what mazda recommands.

Changed the one on my fp-de at 70k and then again at 150k. They werent cracked or anything, just peace of mind. I didnt have it done by a shop though and I didnt bother to change the water pump the second time. Oh and its a non-interference engine.

 

[goldenboy88]

I have approx 120k on mine and as far as I know it wasn't replaced when I bought it at approx 75k

 

[Brains]

our's was done at 160,000 or so. No problems with the belt itself it seemed, but one of the pulleys had some play in it.
Tensioner, some pulley, water pump, and timing belt changed. didn't change the tensioner spring- kit didn't come with one and the old one was still good. around 4000 later, still fine eh.
I wouldn't recommend waiting until 160k though, i'd do it at least once every 100,000 miles