Play the odds with a timing belt?

Anybody (hyundaitech ?) know how the 60,000 mile change interval came about
for a timing belt (2002 XG350)? It has to be an odds thing, right?
Something like 99.4% will not fail before 60,000 miles (and if they do
Hyundai has to pay to repair the engine - so you know that number is pretty
close to 100%). Does the failure rate really increase that dramatically
after 60k miles? what about 70k? 80k? I guess I'm wondering how much
extra risk I would be taking if I were to push this interval up to where I
would only have to replace the belt once instead of twice during the life of
the car (I'm expecting 150k - 200k miles out of this vehicle). Anyone care
to hazzard a guess? At about $1000 a belt change its a valid question. I'm
the second owner of the vehicle, so there is no warrenty after 60,000 miles.

Dan

 

I've not yet seen one of these belts fail, but I don't want to either. The
thing that scares me is that the belt wrap around the cam sprocket is
similar to the engines which have timing belt issues.

My recommendation is to not play the odds. I had to install a new engine
in an XG because the owner didn't change the oil frequently enough. The
parts alone were $6500. At those prices, the savings don't compare to the
losses of paying for engine repair. If your timing belt strips or breaks,
you're probably looking at least at pulling both heads and replacing the
valves. I don't have any engineering numbers to spout, so I suppose you
need to ask yourself how high stakes a gambler you are.

 

Hey Hyundaitech, this is an interesting subject. I've seen you and others
talk about certain Hyundai engines that are more prone to eat timing belts
than others. I'm getting close to having mine done for the third time, but
I'm curious as to what engines are belt eaters. I once had a 2.0 liter
Mitsubishi that promptly ate a belt at the 60000 mile interval. Wasn't the
earlier Hyundai engines a Mitsubishi design?

Rick
SGF, MO

 

I would imagine the newer Hyundai's will have a longer period of
replacement (more durable belt) as the price of their vehicles is
climbing???

The 60k mile interval is one reason I wont buy a Hyundai ....yet....
I plan on getting 100k out of my Camry belt b4 I change it. Maybe 110k.

 

06 sonata utilizes a steel chain, i hope its true for rest of the new line up
I would imagine the newer Hyundai's will have a longer period of
replacement (more durable belt) as the price of their vehicles is
climbing???

The 60k mile interval is one reason I wont buy a Hyundai ....yet....
I plan on getting 100k out of my Camry belt b4 I change it. Maybe 110k.

 

If it's the engine I'm thinking of, it's the same 2.0 (just built by
Hyundai rather than Mitsu) used in the Sonata from 1992 to 1998.

Here's my list of engines which eat timing belts based on experience
(Applies to U.S. only. Different head and cam designs are possible in
other countries):
1992-1995 Elantra -- 1.6L, 1.8L
1992-1998 Sonata -- 2.0L
1999-2005 Sonata -- 2.4L
2001-2004 Santa Fe -- 2.4L

 

Thanks Hyundaitech appreciate the info from your first hand experiences.
Can't beat information like that!!!!

Rick
SGF, MO

 

All the cars I've had that use a belt have been 60K back to my mid
60's golf. If the factory thinks 60K i wouldn't push it all that
hard. the real factor is probably years/heat/total engine rev's.
Those things stay pretty consistent to the point where I would not
believe i manufacturer that pushed the number way out. The bottom
line is that a belt is a lot cheaper than an engine.
YMMV

 

Re: Play the odds with a timing belt? 2006 Intervals??

Group: alt.autos.hyundai Date: Sun, Jun 19, 2005, 12:46pm (EDT+4) From:
(nothermark)

-All the cars I've had that use a belt have been 60K back to my mid 60's
golf. If the factory thinks 60K i wouldn't push it all that hard. the
real factor is probably years/heat/total engine rev's. Those things stay
pretty consistent to the point where I would not believe i manufacturer
that pushed the number way out. The bottom line is that a belt is a lot
cheaper than an engine. YMMV -



My '01 Camry's owners manual says the timing belt needs to be changed
at 90k miles.
I should change mine sooner because your Golf had to be changed
sooner???

I'm at 80k miles.