60K timing belt replacement required in warranty handbook but 80K in owner's manual. what's up with that?

Think about this way swap out the belt under 80K, lets say at 60K just in case so they don't have to swap out the whole engine if the belt snaps. I don't know about the warranty thing, but if you engine is not a interference type (i.e. belts breaks you simply replace it after a tow) wait until 80K. If it is an interference type (i.e. belt breaks replace the engine) change it at 60K for good measure. Keep in mind the belt is normally in serviceable shape at the time of replacement, Its a pulley or water pump that begins to fail that in turn trashes the belt. So these items should also be replaced for good measure.

I don't need any hand holding, Jeff. I'm looking 4 evidence like a factory glitch or some other evidence that the belt won't make it to 80K. Some folks are way beyond that mileage, so they claim. You sound like somebody who does car repairs for a living. Yeah, get those chumps coming in early for all the belts to be changed. I think the 60K is a dealership con since they are hauling a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty. Yeah, who is to say that the customer (without the mandatory 60K replacement) won't even change it at 80K. Yeah, 60K sounds like dealer insurance.

1st off I was just trying to offer some advice, and 2nd I have never worked in the automotive repair business. If your comfortable running the belt up to 80K buy all means do so. You are right the belt may last well past 80k, but are you willing to risk thousands in repairs if it breaks. Also you do have an interference engine, so your top end will be trashed if the belt breaks. Also according to Gates (large manufacture of automotive belts) they call for inspection at 60k, and replacement at 80K. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gates.com%2Fcommon%2Fdownloads%2Ffiles%2FGates%2FTimingBeltReplacementChart.pdf&ei=hADFUZanMcTc4APzo4GABw&usg=AFQjCNEF98XD02TSJWB1bP1kXe2-P7NI7w

Im at 95K and about to learn how to change it myself because they want $800 for belt and waterpump swap out

I threw in the towel and had the dealer do it because as I stood over the right fender and looked down at the tight sqeeze to work in to get the stuff out and ready for the belt swap and looking at the 2009 spectra timing belt replacement details downloaded from the internet, my lower back started to pain with the lean over (I'm 78 and believe me age does make a difference in auto repair). Had the drive belts to the power steering, water pump, and alternator changed, too. Just under $600 for the whole potato. My plan now is to pick some mechanic's brain who has seen a few timing belts in his time relative to the mileage and would he reuse the one that was removed (not really ready for replacement) or how many more estimated miles left on the belt in question.. You got 95K! Jeff is probably having a heart attack.

I also had the same dilemma, I have a prefect running 2002 Kia Spectra, I bought it "used" with less than 5,000 miles on it. So IT was a new car. I keep up on the basic maintenance; oil, air filter changes at about 4500 miles. Then upgraded to an aftermarket intake and filter. Plus went from the stock 1 1/4 exhaust pipe to a 2" pipe, with a LOW pitch muffler. (NOT A COFFEE CAN! THAT SOUNDS LIKE SHIT!) anyways, I went back and forth about when I was going to change my timing belt, I ended up not changing it until I reached 104,000 miles. When I got the belt and water pump off, everything was BEAUTIFUL! The belt looked like it had maybe 10,000 miles on it, teeth were totally intact, no fraying, no chips, AND no stretch. But since I was already freezing my ass off in the carport, Everything was completed. But as always when you're under a car you see more little things, will be fixed in time. I didn't have to replace anything besides the belt and pump. I will say it wasn't all easy going, I did have to uninstall the motor mount and tear everything off the front of the motor. So a guesstimated time frame was about 6 hours, ( I took my time and looked at everything.) and the cost of belt, water pump, anti-freeze for a complete flush,and new plugs and wires. I was at about $190.00 for parts, and nothing (my time) for labor. If I were to rank how hard this was to do I would say intermediate. This was my first TB & WP, I've installed in a running vehicle. I had put those things in doing engine rebuilds. I hope this may help someone.

Hey guys! I have a 2006 Kia Spectra5 with 163,000 miles. I am just now getting the timing belt changed for the first time. I have never had any issues with the Engine in this vehicle. My mechanic is changing the Timing Belt, Water Pump and Gasket, Coolant Pump Belt, Air Conditioner Pump belt, and the Power Steering Belt. He is going to do all of this for $500. I think that is very reasonable price for that amount of work. Although I never had any issues with the timing belt, I wouldn't recommend going 163k miles before changing it. ;) I also ordered all of the parts straight from KIA, not that Autozone Crap. Ive kept the oil changed every 3k mi, and I plan to be driving this car well over 300k miles.

I had a 2004 Kia Sorento , bought it new. Never had a problem with it. I didn't know about replacing the timing belt. I was driving down the highway one afternoon (vehicle had about 160,000 miles on it) the belt broke and the engine locked up. If I knew then what I know now I would have replaced the belt every 60,000 miles.

I have a 2009 kia rio5. Belt was squeeking for a couple of weeks now oon my way to work im pretty sure my belt fell off. Any advise on how I should approach this? Im not good with cars

I bought my 2002 Kia Spectra brand new with 18 miles on it. at about 30k I had some warranty work done that I can not remember, but they changed the timing belt at that time. It now has 160k on it. I have never changed the belt. Matter of fact I have never done anything serious to it. at about 80k I changes the fan belts and spark plugs. It has never had brakes, struts, or any other wear part replaced and they are all still in good shape. I have replaced the spark plugs, belts, the left side head light about a dozen times, but never the right side, the battery, windshield wipers, tires, and the factory stereo. the AC leaks a littel but still works.

For what its worth, I have a 2007 Sportage that just hit 230,00 miles with the original timing belt still installed. That's a lot of driving. But I'm not going to challenge karma anymore. Replacing it this week.

For what its worth, I have a 2007 Sportage that just hit 230,00 miles with the original timing belt still installed. That's a lot of driving. But I'm not going to challenge karma anymore. Replacing it this week.

My 2009 Kia Rio had it's timing belt replaced before its warranty was up (june 30,2014). I had to pay for the belt, np. But I immediately noticed a whining noise coming from the engine. I took it back in today and they showed me the idler pulley that is seizing and wiggling, causing the new timing belt to wear and squeal. They have to order in a new pulley (something they have never had to do before) and I have to also pay for another new timing belt!! It is july 2, so since yesterday was a holiday, I am technically 1 day out of warranty. They said that they have "grace" money that they can use to cover the pulley and the labor but I would still have to cover the 2nd new timing belt, a $100 charge! I don't feel that I should have to pay. The belt would have had to been put on with too much tension causing the pulley to become defective. Any comments? Supposed to have it fixed in two days so was going to talk to kia manager about it tomorrow. Any other ammunition I could use??

Hello Michelle, This sounds like the a typical dealership giving the ladies a runaround! I worked in the dealerships as a tech for over 14years before throwing in the shop towel due to an auto accident on the job. Now to answer your question, there are freak things that happen but the tech working on your vehicle should have inspected all components pertaining to the timing belt and I personally would be a bit perturbed and would not let them take you for a ride if you understand my lingo. DO NOT LET THEM TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU! It always upset me when a female came in the dealership because the service writer always thought "she knows no better"! Do let them, they should take full responsibility and as for the grace all they are doing is covering up a mistake and making it look like they are helping you when in turn they are just making you pay for something they should have caught in the first place under warranty. God Bless You and I wish you the best.

I have on 2006 Spectra5 replacement timing belt broke at about 75,000. God must have been watching out for me because could not find any damage in the cylinders. Used a borescope to check everything out looked good. Put a good gates belt on myself not the autozone one the garage used. I would not take a chance on this kind of outcome as 99 times out of a hundred you will have bent valves and a boat load of work and money.

Just happened to be looking around at how to change a belt when I started seeing posts like these pop up all over the place. I have a 2008 Spectra @ 125k miles Bought it brand new 5 years ago. Still has original EVERYTHING. Well, I changed the rear brake pads. I've been sufficiently scared into taking it in on pay day for new belts and such. =)

I have a 2008 KIA Spectra as well. The car is 6 years old now and I bought it brand new May 2008. I took the car in this morning to the KIA Service Department. They said that the Powertane Warranty of 10 yrs or 100,000 miles - states I need to change out the timing belt at 90,000 or 72 months - whichever came first. I only have 16,650 miles on the car now, but it is 6 years old. Therefore, based on time - they told me I should be replacing the belt. Parts and Labor for it $465.00 All filters, oil change, tires rotated, all everything up to tip top shape again... $700. I was leery to do it - but being that the car has not needed ANY maintenance outside of oil filters, changes, and fluids really.. I think its worth it. If the timing belt breaks - you are left with engine failure as it does rely on it. If the engine dies on the car - $465 becomes miniscule - add a 0 to the end. I was told and I read that mileage is not the main issue on them but time - as they dry out and could break at any time. I would prefer to spend the $465 now and get it taken care of and maintain the warranty then have the belt break in my commute one day. Better safe than sorry.

Yep, about to pick mine up in 45 minutes. About $475 for the timing belt change. Had them do the drive belts, wheel alignment, and oil change while they had it - ended up just under $700. Next month I'll go get the filters and fluids changed. Definitely worth it to pony up some cash now to avoid adding that zero later on. I'm not interested in getting a new car anytime soon and have no doubt I could hit the 300k mark some day. Has been a fantastic car.

Have a 2009 Kia Spectra. I use Fully Synthetic Extended mileage oil and filters and change the oil every 10000-15000 miles. I had the timing belt changed at 100,000 miles because that is when they generally begin the wear. (Also had a 30 yr master mech check it over @ 60,000 to see if dealer suggestion was a scam. It was in perfect condition. You may make your own inferences if you wish.) Have never changed tranny fluid. Needs a drain and fill soon. Antifreeze changed when timing belt swapped. I swapped pads one time at around 85,000 miles or so just to be safe. I also bled the brakes as well. (OE Pads and fluid for bleeding are cheap.) Now has 140,000 miles on it and needs a battery soon because I'm dumb and I've drained it three times because of lights. Also the weather right now sucks and cold freezes batteries, which causes them to need jump starts. Jump starting a frozen battery causes the alternator to charge the frozen battery since it is lacking a sufficient charge. Charging a frozen battery ruins the battery. So the battery is partially my fault but you go get a tow after working 12 hours straight in -30 degree windchill conditions loading an A300 Airbus. You won't do it. You'll be like a Honey Badger. Honey Badger sees a rattlesnake, but does he care? No. Honey Badger doesn't care.

Can anyone tell me where the timing lineup marks r suppose to be on a 07 kia spectra

I read some of these answers about timing belts and they just stretch credulity to the limit. You can make your own decisions, but, if it were my car, I would definitely recommend that you change the timing belt and water pump when the owners manual recommended it and remember, mileage and time are equally important. So, if you don't drive that much, change this every 7 to 8 years, otherwise, you're running the risk of blowing your engine.

Ok I could really use some help I got my wife a 08 kia rio5 sx hatchback its got 84g miles the timing belt broke it droped 8 valves I got it fixed cost me 2000 bucks well it ran great for bout a month now this is what I'm needing help with it cranks fine runs smooth till it warms up then it dies an takes bout 20 mins to crank again but when its warmed up it want stay cranked would anyone know why its doing that iv also replaced the fuel pump an cam shaft sensor still did not help

There's an important lesson here, people, don't wait until the last minute to change the timing belt, then blow your valves. Even though this person paid for than $2,000 and supposedly got the car "fixed ", it's not the same car, since he's still having serious problems. It may never be the same. I don't think your mechanic did a through job if you just paid all this money and it still is causing the problems you describe. My advice is get the timing belt replaced in 7 to 8 years, maximum and avoid all of these problems.

So your telling me yall have no idea why my car dies when the motor warms up I thought yall were car gurus like I said it run smooth as silk till the temp is up as if I went to town it don't shake when it dies it just dies like I turned the key off if it was a valve problem it would knock or rattle or put off a bad vibration in the engine bay I'm just trying to figure out what's going on an see if yall might know sumthin or delte with this problem before if its a simple sensor to be changed out I rather do it myself then deal with a cut throat mechanic so il ask again can yall HELP me please .

The issue your are describing could be the result of many things. Given the history, I would first check the cam position sensor, followed by checking the mechanical timing. If your belt is off by one tooth, the car may very well run but you will get odd issues like yours. If you have access to a code reader that would be extermely helpful. My money is on the cam sensor. Jeff

Samantha - I'm sorry, I don't work on my own cars, BUT, I'm very into "preventative maintenance ", so, I keep my cars up and running like an airplane, if you know what I mean. You see, I do everything possible to avoid getting disabled on the road, ALWAYS! Sometimes, something unforeseen does happen and I have to call AAA. As for maintenance, if you can find an honest mechanic, stick with that person and have him repair all your cars. I've had a business relationship with my mechanic for over 15 years. They know my car and they never rip me off, it's just smart business and they'll always appreciate referrals, I've sent many friends to my mechanic and they were all thrilled. Now, to answer your question about your continued problem. ... it should have been fixed correctly when you paid them $2,000. Hey, that's not chump change. And, I agree with Jeff above that it could be an adjustment on the timing belt. Cars these days are more precision instruments than ever and the position of the belt, belt tensioner, and everything else needs to be letter perfect. There's no margin for error here, which is why I hire a professional. You mentioned above, maybe it's just a simple sensor? How are you going to diagnose that without equipment? I know it's a hassle to go back to your mechanic, but, maybe you need to explain to him that his reputation and good business relations are at stake here and he needs to help you figure out what's wrong. If he's unwilling to do that, you're just going to take all your business elsewhere and not recommend his business to anyone else. I know you might be thinking this is no big deal, but, let me tell you, word gets around. Negative word of mouth advertising is just as bad and has a tremendous impact on local businesses. I'm sure he doesn't want to alienate you. And, if , he cannot figure out what's wrong, you might as well know that and start shopping for a better trained technician. Finally, you might start considering your next car. I've found that purchasing a late model CPO lease return and getting the extended warranty to 100,000 miles is a great way to save money over purchasing new. Good luck.

It just make no since it ran perfect for a solid month iv replace the cam shaft sensor it didn't help the belt isn't the problem my question is when chaging theses sensors like the canshaft an the crankshaft sensor does my cpu need to be reflashed it is an 08 damn near everything is electronic on this car

You're right, there's a lot of electronics on your car. As Jeff stated above, it could be many other things. I'm afraid that you don't realize that the days of the "backyard mechanic " is over. You can't just fix your car easily anymore, unless you're a trained technician. Which is why I suggested that you bring the car back to the person who last worked on your car and paid $2,000 to have it fixed. WHY CAN'T YOU DO THAT?

Samantha, your ECU should not need to be reset, for piece of mind, disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds will reset the ECU. Beware you may need a security code to unlock your radio after doing this. I am afraid your only option, other than randomly replacing parts is to have your car hooked up to a factory service computer which should be able to isolate why the car is not running right. My only other guess is a fuel pump issue. Certain electronics will function fine while cool, but malfunction once they warm up.

Jeff, I'm sure you'd agree that "randomly replacement of parts " is not a good idea and is expensive. You're right, without diagnostics, you're taking shots in the dark. This is why I said that there's no more backyard mechanics anymore. Cars today are like rolling computers.

I agree that diagnostics by part replacement is not ideal and can get very expensive. However I believe that the backyard mechanic is very much alive, as long as they have upgraded their tool arsenal. Case and point, I was able to diagnose a faulty cam position sensor on my mother's van while on vacation with a simple Bluetooth OBD2 scanner and my cell phone. $20 part and 30 mins of my time and she was back on the road. If you are attempting to work on a modern car be ready to invest in the computer hardware, and it will save you thousands. I personally own factory level OBD readers for Ford and VW, and they have paid for themselves many times over in cost and time.

Just lost a timing belt this morning at 79K

omco6- Ouch! So, did you ruin your engine valves? See this, http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=241557 Most cars with timing belts are interference engines and you run the risk of severe damage when the belt fails. It's never advisable to take chances on this.

will find out today after I get it home

omco6- So, what's the outcome, is you engine ruined?

I have a 2006 spectra with 170000 miles the timing belt was changed at 101000 (according to a label on timing cover. I was told by the dealer that the belt was changed at 149000. The belt broke and now it has bad head (rattling cylinder 4). The head was changed at 149,000 mi. I am fixing to pull the head and see if piston cracked.

Unfortunately, the dealership that sold you this car LIED! It was correct on the label of the timing cover at 101,000 miles. Normally, the intervals for this car is every 60,000 miles. See this below, http://www.partsgeek.com/mmparts/timing_belt/kia/spectra.html

My old 1995 Honda Accord had the timing belt replaced every 60,000 miles. It depends on the car. But, its a matter of time as well as mileage. This is critically important, and you cannot overlook this without risking major engine failure. Sorry.

Glad to see all your response to the timing belt for the 2009 Spectra...I had my oil changed in December 2500 miles ago and they said my belts and brakes all ok...I have 50,000 miles on my car and brought it in today and they said I need timing belt bad and my brakes which I replaced at 20k miles and they tried to charge me $400 then and met me due to the warranty to $100 for the brakes and wanted me to do all that today and almost would not let me leave the dealership...I said no and we looked at the belts when I got home and nothing wrong with them, no noise and they look good with hardly any wear...This really upsets me that the KIA dealerships are doing this....If I have a bumper to bumper warranty, then why do I replace the timing belt at 50k? and why are the brakes not under warranty and they were 2 years ago when I replaced them? This is just not right.

FYI- brakes, timing belts, other belts under the hood, tires etc are "wearable items". NOT covered by warranty.

Im at 223k no timing issues yet.

Lbrowning75-. First- I don't believe it! And, it's NOT HELPFUL to suggest that you never have to replace the timing belt, if that's what you're saying here. The timing belt is a critical part of the car and it should be replaced at regular intervals. People who skip this are doing so at their peril and if you really have your original timing belt, you are on borrowed time! I would suggest that you replace it right now or risk damaging your engine. Regardless of what you think, the belt can only last so long and it will fail. When that happens, the cost will be catastrophic and damage so many internal parts, you'll to get rid of the car... Congratulations on going 223,000 miles. If you change the belt, you will easily go another 100,000 miles.

I hope you're right. Just purchased car from family 1 owner mostly highway miles. I've broken timing on a maxima hopefully I can make another 2k before I dive in on that. PEOPLE CHANGE YOUR BELTS PREVENTATIVE MAINTAINENCE IS KEY. especially timing belts.

Lbrowning75-. A big thank you for saying that, YES, people don't wait and see if you can squeeze the last mile or month on the timing belt. It's better to be SAFE than sorry. And, Lbrowning75, please change your timing belt ASAP, so won't have a failure.. Yes, highway miles are easier on cars because they don't have the changing engine speeds, but, you're over due. It's a false economy to put this needed service off any longer, you know it.

wat is the position the time belt kia spectra 2005/?

My 2006 Spectra5 is at 148000 and I’ve never had the belt checked or chaneed. Runs like a top.

My 2001 optima belt snapped while coasting into a parking space under a shade tree at 80k. Car died. Due to not accelerating at that moment, my engine wasn't ruined. Now that was a good timing timing belt Get it through your heads, if you are lazy don't buy a Kia or any interference engine vehicle. Most likely the belt won't break in a shady parking lot. CYA

I just purchase a 2007 Spectra 71,800 miles on it. Driven by a 75 year old lady who took great care of it. Looks and runs like a top! I paid $4,000 for it...So with it being 12 years old I really don't want to waste more money on a timing belt. During inspection for plates, the mechanic said the only thing he found wrong was that there was pretty much wear on the serpentine belt that runs the A/C compressor. Since that is exposed...I am hoping the timing belt is still in good shape. She never garaged it...so in the midwest the belt had to handle extreme temperatures thru Winter and summer....Just hope I get my $4,000 worth before the T- Belt goes. I will change the others...But the T-belt would put me back to the point the vehjcle wouldn't be worth the price....I'll take my chances...Fingers crossed!