Timing Belt/Chain

firecadet613 · October 7, 2002

My truck (see sig), now has 94,500 miles on it. Just wondering about when, if at all, I should expect to replace the timing chain or belt, and which does it have?

Thanks.

mcali17 · October 7, 2002

It has a timing chain, and usually they are not replaced at any given interval, chains don't really wear like a belt does.

If you had a car with a timing belt, they should be replaced every 60,000 miles.

tblazer503 · October 11, 2002

hmmm... I think if you are really itchin, you may want to check into the maintenance interval. Although the chain may not wear out, surely, the tensioners attatched to it will. In my experiences with belts, (changing every 60k) the idler pulley bearing rarely makes it to 120k depending on how you drive. Usually what happens is the bearings on the pulley wear out. I don't know if it would be a similar deal on chains, though... Depending on the engine, the water pump may need to be inspected/replaced also (timing belts run the water pump also)... Just my $.02

mcali17 · October 11, 2002

A good rule of thumb is when you replace a timing belt do the water pump at the same time. Most of the cost associated with changing any timing belt is the labor. There is really no extra labor cost associated with changing the water pump, just the $100 or so for the pump. If after you have your timing belt changed, the water pump siezes, you have to do the entire job all over again. If a shop ever makes this suggestion, they are not trying to rip you off by selling you a water pump, it is kind of like insurance. And for the $400 to $800 the job costs, it is worth it.

firecadet613 · October 16, 2002

Well I just replaced the water pump about 500 miles ago and put on a new serpentine belt as well. I bought a new waterpump with the lifetime warranty from Autozone, old one had just started to leak out via the weep hole. Cut off the old belt and put a new Goodyear Gatorback belt on. That's an expensive belt...$27!!