What would cause a timing belt to break on a 2002 Alero with less than 30,000 miles on it?

Answer 1

its 5 years old so rubber does go bad with time your car is avg. 6000 miles a year so i doubt that its from normal wear and tear most timing belts last for 60k but that on a avg. of 12k a year for mileage

Answer 2

Need to know if you mean the serpentine drive belt(goes around your alternator, fan. Is visible when looking at engine) or the timing belt that is enclosed behind a plate on the engine(is not visible when looking at engine) either way, poor craftsmanship or construction is to blame. Oldsmobile was in a rush to get the inventory out before GM phased them out(notice that you cannot buy a new Oldsmobile anymore) Do your own web search and you will find that many people are not happy. If your car is actually still under 30000 miles you are within warranty.

Answer 3

A couple of things could do it. A faulty roller or tensioner could do it. Also some cars run the water pump off the timing belt so if your car is one the water pump could have seized as well. If you had an oil leak that got on the belt, oil weakens rubber so that could do it. Last heat also can cause it have you had overheat problems?

Answer 4

2002 alero doesn't have a timing belt & it's very odd to have chain problems

Answer 5

You do not have a timing belt on that car. It has a timing chain. If it broke it is probably a fluke!

Answer 6

cars that sit and are rarely driven actually have more problems with parts like belts and hoses. Rubber gets old, it dries out and cracks. Your timing belt is one such part. at 5 years old, it was due to be replaced, probably a couple years ago.

Answer 7

Jack rabbit starts,especially if it is done quite regularly.The chain stretches and eventually breaks.Try not 'Hotrodding' and drive more sensibly.

Answer 8

usually they last twice that long