2004 Mazda6 timing belt?

Question

I have a 2004 Mazda6 and it is already at 60,000 and some odd miles. I read that timing belts need to be replaced at 60,000 miles. Someone told me that some newer cars come with steele timing belts and won't snap as easily as the old rubber ones. Is this true? And also, how can I find out what kind of timing belt I have? In other words, how can I find out if mine is steele and how much longer I can go with out replacing it? I have seen that it is several hundred dollars to get the timing belt replaced. But I also don't want it to snap and cause so much $$$ in damage to my engine.

FYI people!- I aksed this question because it is pretty obvious I am not some car fanatic or mechanic. Duh. I am smart enough to know that it will cost more later if I don't get the timing belt changed. That wasn't my question!

Answer 1

Mazda uses rubber timing belts that need periodic replacement, other makes use a steel chain that does not. Your Mazda may have either since Mazda sources some of their engines from Ford and you did not indicate which version of the 6 that you have.

Your owners manual shockingly enough gives you all the information you need on what to replace and when for your specific model.

Answer 2

Here is a tip...take a rubber band and start bending it back and forth. How long can you bend it until it snaps? Now take a thin strand of stainless steel wire and start bending it back and forth. How long until it breaks? Timing belts do not have steel in the composite, rather they have either rayon or carbon fiber to reinforce them. If the owners manual states that the timing belt be replace, not checked, at 60k, then there is a reason for that and you should do it. The little you spend now is far cheaper than the results of not doing the recommended maintenance. Most timing belts require that they be replaced at 90k, and checked at 60k. The timing belt is not the problem, it is the water pump that is run by the timing belt that goes bad and takes the timing belt down with it. Have it checked just like the owners manual states. Check with the service manager of your local Mazda dealership.

Answer 3

Have it changed now for a couple hundered, or wait and pay a couple thousand later for a rebuilt engine.

It's your choice.