Timing belt

[barepudder]

My 99 protoge is at 99,000 KM. Should I be replacing my timing belt? I've heard that if they go they can do serious damage to the engine, but I know some people who drive for 200,000+ KM and never change the belt. What should I do?

[osudewd]

Check the replacement interval in the manuel. I would not reccomend going far beyond that service interval. Even though there is a non-interference design, you will still be stranded if it breaks and have to replace it anyway with towing charges. Sometimes the belts last much longer than this, sometimes the don't make more than a few thousand. I would rather just replace it than worry about the possibility of it breaking. That is if you plan on keeping the car much longer.

[MotegiMazdA]

Someone said that the manual suggests having it inspected at 60k and replaced at 120k. I dont know how true this is. I have 80k on mine and I havent gone to change it.

[hi-perf]

inspect at 60,000 miles and replace at 100,000 miles.

[rustychops41]

If you do it, change the alt and AC belt too, and Check That Tensioner and Water Pump.

[osudewd]

If you do it, change the alt and AC belt too, and Check That Tensioner and Water Pump.
Hey will the dealer guys do that automatically if I bring it in for timing and accessory drive belt change? Or do I have to explicitly request to verify that the tensioner is in good condition.