Originally Posted by silver_shadow (Post 1291600)

murali i think you were just unlucky, not because the belt went kaput so soon (i don't think it's necessarily *too soon* considering the car is also 5 yrs old and 60k is the prescribed age). the issue was that no one told you about it and trust me, the average car user isn't generally aware of these things. so what happened was quite common.

Originally Posted by ask77 (Post 1293004)

have they identified the exact cause ? was it just the belt failing or maybe another component like water pump failing which caused the belt to fail ?

Originally Posted by ask77 (Post 1290232)

I got the timing belt of my Optra 1.6 changed at 45K / 4yrs. The original belt that was taken out was in good condition. Only the timing belt was changed since the service adviser at the GM A. S. S. told me that everything else like water pump etc. was fine. Now can failure of a related component like tensioner bearings etc. lead to a timing belt failure eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure ? if yes than what else should be changed together with the timing belt ?

Originally Posted by sajanpt (Post 1931891)

Hi buddy(ies),

It's my turn now to decide what to do. I hope you can help me with it. I had given my Optra 1.8 LS (2004 model) for the major service with my ODO at 60800kms. I was shocked to hear that I need to shell out Rs. 30K+ as the timing belt, tensioners etc etc needs to be changed. I had done all the previous services in time and I maintain my car very well as I cannot stand even an unwanted sound coming from it. Now according to the dealer if you do not change the timing belt (or let's say; he wants to bill it to meet his target or whatever), it might break and will cause extensive damage which may lead to 1 lakh+ expenses. At this juncture, I have the following doubts.
1. There are cars running without being properly serviced or maintained and without problems. So is this replacement really required ?

2. What if I ask for a normal service without going to change all the expensive stuff and take a chance? The worst thing that could happen is that the engine stalls (like a no fuel situation) due to a broken timing belt. Now, if I don't crank the engine again and ask for a tow to the dealer, would it have caused damage to the pistons or valves or sensors?

3. What is the normal life time of a timing belt if there are no other symptoms of failures? I see advertisements of timing belts from Dayco/Good Year with life time warranty.

4. Suppose, if it is that crucial and I have to change it, what would be the cost of the minimal parts (a list would be appreciated) that are associated with it that needs to be replaced to avoid any possible failure up until the next major service at 120K?

5. Will changing the timing belt alone (costs approx Rs3000+ I think )be good enough and is it wise taking the risk for other related parts (I don't know what else could fail or happen which is associated with this belt).

6. The dealer had already started the normal routine service with changing the air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, a/c filter, injector cleaning and routine checkups etc and he had quoted approx. Rs 5-6K for it. He also mentioned that the tensioner needs to be changed as there is a noise. Can they check the condition of the timing belt externally or is it a tedious procedure to open the case?

Though I don't know anything about the impact of a timing belt failure and its importance, I know that the dealers always tries to make the most money during a service by changing and replacing all things they feel like even if it is not really required. For eg: You may change the oil filter during every oil change but most of the people do it only once in two oil changes; or you could change the a/c filter more often if you are allergic to pollen etc. In one way both these are good for you or your car, but not really required, but a matter of choice just like how much more you want to run on a tire with threads worn out.

Please give me some insight into this and tell me if it's worth taking the risk. I could manage to spend like a max. of 10-12K, but not more than that as the car is 6 years old & the resale value is too less (though I don't intend to sell it, but if the maintainence charges are this bad, I might think about it).

Waiting for your thoughts and reply (even from other members)

Thanks

Originally Posted by sajanpt (Post 1931891)

Hi buddy(ies),

It's my turn now to decide what to do. I hope you can help me with it. I had given my Optra 1.8 LS (2004 model) for the major service with my ODO at 60800kms. I was shocked to hear that I need to shell out Rs. 30K+ as the timing belt, tensioners etc etc needs to be changed. I had done all the previous services in time and I maintain my car very well as I cannot stand even an unwanted sound coming from it. Now according to the dealer if you do not change the timing belt (or let's say; he wants to bill it to meet his target or whatever), it might break and will cause extensive damage which may lead to 1 lakh+ expenses. At this juncture, I have the following doubts.
1. There are cars running without being properly serviced or maintained and without problems. So is this replacement really required ?
I would rate it as a critical replacement.

My suggestion : Get it replaced immediately.

2. What if I ask for a normal service without going to change all the expensive stuff and take a chance? The worst thing that could happen is that the engine stalls (like a no fuel situation) due to a broken timing belt. Now, if I don't crank the engine again and ask for a tow to the dealer, would it have caused damage to the pistons or valves or sensors?
Well, if engine is running then you piston/valves will be damaged for sure.

3. What is the normal life time of a timing belt if there are no other symptoms of failures? I see advertisements of timing belts from Dayco/Good Year with life time warranty.
At 60K major cost of replacement is of tensoiner and tensioner belt

4. Suppose, if it is that crucial and I have to change it, what would be the cost of the minimal parts (a list would be appreciated) that are associated with it that needs to be replaced to avoid any possible failure up until the next major service at 120K?
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ors-delhi.html


5. Will changing the timing belt alone (costs approx Rs3000+ I think )be good enough and is it wise taking the risk for other related parts (I don't know what else could fail or happen which is associated with this belt).
One should strictly follow, company recommended service schedule to maintain longevity of the engine.

6. The dealer had already started the normal routine service with changing the air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, a/c filter, injector cleaning and routine checkups etc and he had quoted approx. Rs 5-6K for it. He also mentioned that the tensioner needs to be changed as there is a noise. Can they check the condition of the timing belt externally or is it a tedious procedure to open the case?
Always try to get engine related work performed at Authorized Service Center only. Reason : If in case any further problem is diagnosed they have the hardware and spares support to rectify it further as well.

Though I don't know anything about the impact of a timing belt failure and its importance, I know that the dealers always tries to make the most money during a service by changing and replacing all things they feel like even if it is not really required. For eg: You may change the oil filter during every oil change but most of the people do it only once in two oil changes; or you could change the a/c filter more often if you are allergic to pollen etc. In one way both these are good for you or your car, but not really required, but a matter of choice just like how much more you want to run on a tire with threads worn out.

Please give me some insight into this and tell me if it's worth taking the risk. I could manage to spend like a max. of 10-12K, but not more than that as the car is 6 years old & the resale value is too less (though I don't intend to sell it, but if the maintainence charges are this bad, I might think about it).

After 60K major service is at 120K so after getting this service done you'll be a happy driver till 120K. However, you can sell if you like around 110K something to get saved by major hit.

Waiting for your thoughts and reply (even from other members)

Thanks

Originally Posted by rajismine (Post 2149794)

do I need to get the timing belt replaced immediately or I can wait for another 4000-5000 Kms...if i need to get it done immediately, then the price I am paying is no more a good deal