I was reading an earlier thread about when to change out the timing belt.Please excuse my ignorance...I am not a Hyundai owner yet but am seriouslyconsidering the Tucson or Sante Fe. I thought most new cars nowadays usedtiming chains, which I heard can last forever.Thanks for your response.yat

To this day, most of the domestics still use a timing chain, and rarely does one ever think about them. A few of the DOHC engines (like the 3.2L and 3.5L in the Dodge Intrepids of the last dozen or so years) used a timing belt.Imports much more frequently have used a belt. It allows (supposedly) for smoother, quieter operation and better fuel economy for the set-up. But of course, any belt is a maintenance item, and since many of those engines are "interference" engines, meaning if the belt breaks, you bend or break some things in the engine (valves, etc.), you best not forget about it.Something to ponder when you are deciding which vehicle to buy. (All Santa Fe engines for sure would have timing belts).Green Valley Giant

timing belt or timing chain?

Jan 15, 2006 21 Replies

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Matt Whiting 20 years ago

I can't even imagine replacing the accessory drive belt on my Sonata. It appears that the clearance between the body and the pulleys is about

1.5"! The Sonata seems to have a fair bit of room in front of and behind the engine, but little on the pulley end of the engine. If one had to remove a drive pully, I don't think there is even room to get a socket on the nut or bolt. A combination wrench will fit, but it is hard to install a nut or bolt to a given torque using a combination wrench!

Fortunately, I can now afford to hire most of my repair work done, but I still do my own basic maintenance and enjoy doing repairs when I have the proper tools and time.

Matt

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Paul 20 years ago

I have an '03 Santa Fe. I must say I love the car and have had no trouble with it. However it just reached 60K miles so I had the timing belt and all other belts replaced by the dealer. With tax it came out to be a little under $500.00.

I have had the same work done on Hondas and for about $400.00 I get the timing belt and a new water pump.

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