My 1998 626ES-V6 now has approximately 65,000 miles on it.
The dealer suggests I replace the timing belt now, or soon. I know it's a pretty profitable service for him, but he hasn't tried to sell me any unnecessary repairs in the past.
Some tell me to change it; others to wait awhile. What's the opinion of members here?
TIA, Christopher Platt New York
In addition to the mileage, the belt is now 8 years old. I would change it. I would have changed it at 60k, in fact. Other parts in there deserve a look, too: the water pump, idler pulleys, seals, etc.
I have a 1995 626 with 135,000 miles on it and I haven't yet changed the belt. I bought the car new and the car has required almost no maintenance other than oil changes, tires, 2 batteries and disk pads. I have a 4 cylinder engine with a manual transmission. The car has driven mostly freeway miles in 5th gear. I think you need to consider the type of driving as well as the miles. 60,000 miles in the city would put more wear on a belt than maybe 120,000 miles driven on freeways.
i face a similar question. our '91 just turned 140k. we bought it at
107k, and the timing belt had been replaced at around 80k, as i recall. the car runs true and tight. one source says change the belt every 105k, another (miata garage) every 60k. i gather the worst that could happen if the belt breaks is that....it breaks. no engine meltdown or busted pistons, the apparatus being non-interference. the temptation is to just keep going and see what happens, calling if necessary that faithful companion over the years, the triple-a tow truck guy. bad idea? thanks for any thoughts. art
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