Timing belt

[weighit]

Going through the owners manual and it says to replace the timing belt at 90,000 miles. I almost have 98,000 on our 2004 turbo lite. Is this something I should RUN to the dealer to have done, or drive till??? I also will be replacing the rear brakes, is getting close to 100,000 miles normal on these rear drum brakes?

[Mean Green]

quote:Originally posted by weighit

Going through the owners manual and it says to replace the timing belt at 90,000 miles. I almost have 98,000 on our 2004 turbo lite. Is this something I should RUN to the dealer to have done, or drive till??? I also will be replacing the rear brakes, is getting close to 100,000 miles normal on these rear drum brakes?

At 98k? YES! If the belt goes you could possibly be looking at $2-$3k in damage.

You can go through 2-3 sets of front brakes before doing the rears. The front brakes do most of the stopping.

[Taggert_LOA]

it is a non-interference engine. won't damage the engine if the belt goes. all you will need is a tow. i would get it changed.

[weighit]

Just returned from the local Chrysler dealer and was given a guess price of $550 labor and close to $200 parts, including the water pump to replace the timing belt. The Service fellow said the job was a real pain, and the techs really didn't want to do them??? He also said that the belt should have been replaced at 60,000 miles, and needs to be replace every 60,000 there after. I asked if he ever had a car in with it broken, and he said no. Has anyone on this forum actually broken a belt?

[bobs turbo pt]

havnt heard of a broken one, did you have the job done ??[:I]

[wait4me6920]

quote:Originally posted by weighit

Just returned from the local Chrysler dealer and was given a guess price of $550 labor and close to $200 parts, including the water pump to replace the timing belt. The Service fellow said the job was a real pain, and the techs really didn't want to do them??? He also said that the belt should have been replaced at 60,000 miles, and needs to be replace every 60,000 there after. I asked if he ever had a car in with it broken, and he said no. Has anyone on this forum actually broken a belt?

From what I've read in several forums, the price seems to be in the general ballpark - understand that it is a nasty, labor-intensive job. If/when you do get it done, make sure that they do replace the water pump as well. Certainly wouldn't want to have to go back in there 6 months from now & have it done, as labor would be darned near as high.

Good luck!

[Mean Green]

quote:Originally posted by weighit

Just returned from the local Chrysler dealer and was given a guess price of $550 labor and close to $200 parts, including the water pump to replace the timing belt. The Service fellow said the job was a real pain, and the techs really didn't want to do them??? He also said that the belt should have been replaced at 60,000 miles, and needs to be replace every 60,000 there after. I asked if he ever had a car in with it broken, and he said no. Has anyone on this forum actually broken a belt?

That's pretty much what it cost to have it replaced on my '01 PT. Actually, the manual says to replace every 120k, but I've heard 90k is better. I have heard od a couple of people who had the belt break and even though it is considered a non-interference engine there was still damage that went beyond just replacing the timing belt.

[weighit]

No have not replaced the belt yet. The car has been a excellent vehicle for us. Fun to drive, easy to park in the RV parks we stay in, decent fuel mileage and very few expenses on upkeep. One set of tires,one set of brakes, lots of oil changes, and no break downs. Our question is should we spend the money for the belt/pump, and keep the car, or switch out the 2004,97,000 mile car for another one?? I suppose if we are going to keep it, new struts and shocks are also due. All the new stuff, is sure cheaper than a new one.

[rszappa1]

Why go to a chrysler dealer for a timing belt...Any local shop should be able to do it....

[bobs turbo pt]

i wouldnt go to a chrysler dealership unless its un warranty !!