I have a Dodge Caravan 2001, 3.3 litre with 76,000 kms on it. I was wondering when I should start to think about getting the belt replaced on it. Also whether this is something I could do at home in warm weather.
I was also told this has a chain, not a belt, so it would last much longer, but I am not sure about that one.
I am concerned since I remember at one time if it broke, you ran the risk of nearly detroying the engine on some older cars.
Thanks
With a flashlight, take a good look at the belt for signs of wear. Are there more than 4 to 6 cracks per inch on the ribs? Any frayed or torn edges? If so, it might be time to replace it. 76k seems a little early, though. Check your owner's manual maintenance schedule, I'd expect somewhere around 96k. As far as changing it yourself, due to access issues, it is a real pain. I'd gladly pay someone else to do it. But if you want to, go for it. Just don't expect it to be a quick or easy job.
Here you are talking about the timing belt or chain, which is inside the engine. Timing belts need to be changed periodically, chains generally not. I'm not sure which your Dodge has. Again, check your maintenance schedule or talk to your dealer service department or your mechanic for advice.
What is the condition of the belt?
If there are a lot of cracks in it, then I'd say to replace it.
What is the mileage interval recommended by the manufacturer say in the owners manual?
I've gotten well over 150,000 miles on my serpentine belts, since 1991, but that's me. I carry 2 of the old ones in the trunk and every now and then would rotate them on & off the car over the years. I'm guessing the original had close to 200,000 before it was discarded. I did buy a new belt in 2003.
I'm not familiar with Chrysler engines so I don't know how easy or difficult a serpentine belt is to change on your vehicle. On my Bonneville the serpentine belt can be changed in about 90 seconds.
I can't comment on the timing chain question but you can find out from somebody here or from your mechanic or the dealer the information you seek. On my car the timing chain gears are steel sprockets and there is really no worry about the breaking or any real wear. I replaced mine at around 290,000 miles when doing a cam interrupter magnet replacement a few years back. The old sprockets & chain looked just fine, but the chain tensioner ( nylon ) had some wear in it. Essentially, I bought the parts for nothing. The tensioner is what I really should of got but didn't know about till my buddy took the car apart.
Years ago ( my 68 Buick, 78 Olds ) the upper timing gear was aluminum with nylon teeth. They would wear out and shear off causing the timing chains to slip. I'm glad those days are gone! Both cars the chains slipped on.
Is your serpentine belt is the original? I would also consider replacing the radiator & heater hoses as preventative maintenance.
Good Luck
harryface
05 Park Avenue 54,010 91 Bonneville 308, 892
This is under 50,000 miles, the serpentine belt should still be serviceable, but nothing beats a trained eye inspecting.
You are confusing the serpentine belt with the drive for the camshaft. Your 3.3 has a timing chain, there is no recommended service interval for the timing chain and 50,000 miles if well below its service life.
True of either component. The serpentine belt drives the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor, if it breaks and you keep driving/ignoring the warning lights you risk an over heated engine and a dead battery.
If your timing chain breaks, the engine will stop dead and depending on engine speed, there -is- a risk of bent valves and bent push rods, but this is unlikely to happen until the engine has upwards of 150,000-200,000 miles on it (you do the metric conversion).
Who ever is performing the regular maintenance on this vehicle should be keeping you apprized of the condition of the belts, hoses, etc...
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