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replacing the timing belt


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indy4192
User

Aug 25, 2010, 8:15 AM

Post #1 of 7 (1253 views)
replacing the timing belt Sign In

2002 Kia Sorento Mini van
134,000 miles
6 cylinder

I have been told it would be wise to replace the timing belt on this mini van i just purchased. My question is how difficult for a trained mechanic is this to do? I have found that the belt itself runs about $95, what kind of labor costs am I looking at to have this repair done.


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Aug 25, 2010, 9:10 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1244 views)
Re: replacing the timing belt Sign In

This isn't the most difficult job to do but not the easiest either. Book time you are looking around 5hrs labor to install the belt.

You might what to double check the year on that, I'm showing 03 as the 1st year for the Sorento. If it's 4WD the labor will be higher.....

You would be very wise to change the timing belt if you just purchased the van. They recommend the belt every 60k, so this van should be on it's 2nd belt overdue for the 3rd unless it has been changed already, then you would be good.....

These are interference engines so unless you are 100% positive it's been changed, change it. It's not worth the gamble...


indy4192
User

Aug 26, 2010, 7:26 AM

Post #3 of 7 (1237 views)
Re: replacing the timing belt Sign In


In Reply To
This isn't the most difficult job to do but not the easiest either. Book time you are looking around 5hrs labor to install the belt.

You might what to double check the year on that, I'm showing 03 as the 1st year for the Sorento. If it's 4WD the labor will be higher.....

You would be very wise to change the timing belt if you just purchased the van. They recommend the belt every 60k, so this van should be on it's 2nd belt overdue for the 3rd unless it has been changed already, then you would be good.....

These are interference engines so unless you are 100% positive it's been changed, change it. It's not worth the gamble... I apologize it's a Sedona mini van, not the Sorento. As for beign 4 wd that I do not know. It seems that the previous owner did keep up basic maintenance, but not sure if the timeing belt was changed out. I am finding I am looking at about $450 minimum which means it may be a few months till I can save up the monies to have it done.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 26, 2010, 8:29 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1236 views)
Re: replacing the timing belt Sign In

Butting inCrazy

Indy - many of these cars came with 10yr/100K drivetrain warranties from new at least around me. Since it voided that warranty if you didn't do the suggested maintenance you can guess it was done at about 60K and now at 130+ it may have been skipped.

Find out! $450 is money but you are risking your engine! 1-2-3 Big Bang!

T



indy4192
User

Aug 26, 2010, 11:37 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1230 views)
Re: replacing the timing belt Sign In


In Reply To
Butting inCrazy

Indy - many of these cars came with 10yr/100K drivetrain warranties from new at least around me. Since it voided that warranty if you didn't do the suggested maintenance you can guess it was done at about 60K and now at 130+ it may have been skipped.

Find out! $450 is money but you are risking your engine! 1-2-3 Big Bang!

T



That is kinda what I figured, but I checked with the Dealership where the original owner bought the car and had some other work done and no record of the timing belt being changed out, in fact their last record of doing work was 34,000 miles. I would be surprised if they took it to another Kia dealership since they lived close to that one. I know getting it done is important, but it is going to take me a couple of months to come up with the $450 to get it done, so we won't be gunning the engine or such and just hope it hangs in there.


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Aug 26, 2010, 6:06 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1221 views)
Re: replacing the timing belt Sign In

You know, in maintenance manual there is a footnote that in CA it's 105k not 60K. While very unlikely it's the original belt, it's not totally impossible... If you can get to one of the top cam gear covers, take the bolts out and pull it back far enough to see the belt you may want to do this...

Normally you can't "look" at a timing belt to tell if it's bad or not but I've changed some that were way over due and these belts were so cracked I don't see how the engine was still running...... If yours looks cracked to the eye.....I would seriously not drive this van until you have the money to change the belt.....Kia's are very bad about "gernading" engines when the belts go.......... and it can happen at any speed.....


(This post was edited by Sidom on Aug 26, 2010, 6:07 PM)


indy4192
User

Aug 27, 2010, 7:42 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1209 views)
Re: replacing the timing belt Sign In

From looking at the van overall it looks like it was very well maintained. From the info i have been able to get it looks like the previous owners were an older couple that I kinda feel took good care of the van during the time they owned it. I am going to try and have it checked here soon, i am in a situation of where I will have to just hope and pray it's in decent condition and doesn't go, because I have to have the car to get to and from work.


(This post was edited by indy4192 on Aug 27, 2010, 9:03 AM)






 
 
 






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