I have a 1990 Mitsubishi Galant that I bought from the original owner this past January.
Since then the owner has moved out of the country and I don't see any record of any timing belt replacement. The car shop made it seem pretty dire that I get a new one put in right away, but that it would cost 400$. The car has 82,000 miles on it. Do I really need to sink that much cash into getting a new belt, or is it just a scam?
2007-05-28 11:50:30 · 11 answers · asked by jessica g 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If it's running fine you don;t "need" one. Many Japanese cars will go 150k+ with the original. I'm sure the owners manual recommends one at 80k but they rarely go before that.
2007-05-28 11:54:32 · answer #1 · answered by Joe T 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
With that many miles you probably do need one. Check the owners manual for the mileage they recommend that it be replaced at. If you wait and ignore it, it could cost you a lot more in the long run. Basically if the timing belt breaks it can bend the valves which is a very expensive fix. $400 seems a bit steep to replace it though, you might want to shop around. But definitely don't wait until it is too late and you've got a damaged engine.
2007-05-28 18:56:31 · answer #2 · answered by DK Julie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is....NO SCAM......the Autodata book I have says either a 4cly or a 6 cyl require a new belt at every 60,000 miles. Both engines are what is called an " interference " engine.....plain English...if the belt breaks while you are driving....the intake and exhaust valves can hit the pistons and will bend......THEN...to repair THAT...the cylinder head has to be removed...valves replaced etc...gets REAL pricey......get the belt replaced ASAP....do some shopping around and check to see if THAT shop's price is outa line...this book I have gives you about 4 hours to do the job...so the labor rate, parts, taxes etc. come in to play. Hope I helped.
2007-05-28 19:05:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked as a Mitsu. Tech for several years. It is important to replace the timing belt. Your engine is an "interference" engine which means if that belt breaks your pistons can make contact with the valves. $400 is not out of the realm to replace your timing belt as on your vehicle it is a little more complicated than some others. You could always price shop, estimates are always free.
2007-05-28 19:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by Jim C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to Cdever5. If the belt breaks, it will trash the engine. My Daughter's car just needed an engine for the same thing. The guy we bought it from said the belt was just replaced. I foolishly took his word. The belt broke, bent valves, broke a piston, and ruined the block. Was an Eclipse, but same deal. Replace it, and get someone who knows what they are doing to install it. You get what you pay for, in most cases.
2007-05-28 19:08:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Timing belts break, and when they do they cause severe engine damage, due to the breakage allows the valves to come into contact with the cylinder heads, which will either bend or break valves. So yes get it changed. $400 is a lot cheaper to have replaced than replacing damaged engine parts.
2007-05-28 19:01:53 · answer #6 · answered by Bill S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
400$ now or 2500$+ later. Take your pick. It makes alot more sense to me to follow manufacturer sugguested timing belt replacement and drop 400$ than it does to push it off, the belt fail, then you either have to put in a new motor, salvage motor, or have your motor rebuilt. A timing belt is never something that can be pushed off until it exhibits symptoms, because by that point you've done critical damage.
2007-05-28 19:25:16 · answer #7 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK here the thing..IF you dont replace it and as your driving down the road and the car just dies.. Thats what happen to most cars when a belt staps and now you have to get towed to a shop for repair..and it could cost more...
true that honda's and mits dont really break down alot, but when they do it cost alot..
IMO i would better to be safe then stuck on the side of the road... OH, get a another shop est. for the belt they could be cheaper...
Good luck...
2007-05-28 19:00:05 · answer #8 · answered by aleromi99 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mitsubishi's are "valve kissers" and if (and when) the timing belt fails it will cause SEVERE internal engine damage. The recomended interval is 60,000 miles for replacement. I would search around and see what prices other shops offer and include the dealership in your search. Dont assume that the dealer is higher priced.
2007-05-28 18:59:26 · answer #9 · answered by cdever5 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
get the belt replaced or at least inspected. if it breaks it causes major engine damage. if you have some of the previous owners records get the name of the shops he used and call them they may have the records in his file worth a shot
2007-05-28 19:09:50 · answer #10 · answered by tott1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
drive it.... you sure it was a timing belt was bad seem they have to take some parts off to even see it... maybe the fan belts you should be able to look and see them and tell if they look old and dry then they are bad but not a timing belt just drive it til it causing a problem then worry about it then might be yrs away i bet you was at a dealer wasnt you
2007-05-28 19:00:41 · answer #11 · answered by infoman89032 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋