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Hyundai Santa Fe Timing Belt

tjg00tjg00 Member Posts: 5
in Hyundai
I purchased a used 2003 Santa Fe December 31 2007 it had 59000 miles on it. It now has 65000 miles. Does anyone recommend getting the timing belt changed now? Please give me your thoughts on this.
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Comments

  • robertwillisrobertwillis Member Posts: 5
    It is a recommended mainteance item and a requirement if you want the 10 warranty to be valid. I am not sure if the 10 year warranty transfers on the sale of a used vehicle.
  • supermom2supermom2 Member Posts: 1
    I am a stay at home mom & in need of a car. I found an '03 Santa Fe for $4500. It has 97K miles. I have the cash to pay for it. Does it seem like a prudent buy? Do Hyundai's last 200k?

    HELP! :confuse:
  • tjg00tjg00 Member Posts: 5
    Unfortunately, the warranty only applies to the original owner. Where I purchased the vehicle only gives you a 90 day warranty or 3000 miles whichever comes first. There is nothing wrong with the timing belt i just dont want it to go out and take the whole engine.

    I love my santa fe especially with having two kids however it is a gas hog.
  • oscar_gataoscar_gata Member Posts: 96
    Did you get an owner's manual with it? The manual states that at 60,000 miles, you should have it replaced. Unless, for some reason, you live in California. :confuse:
  • oscar_gataoscar_gata Member Posts: 96
    Use KBB.com to figure out what its worth. You would need to know the trim level (base, GLS or LX), if it has any major options (sunroof or whatever), and its overall condition. KBB lists a base automatic model in fair condition at $7000 See if you can take it to a service garage and have them give it a once over to see what find of shape its in. You will probably have to pay them something since few businesses do work for free. :)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    KBB is the dealer's asking price, not what a car is worth.

    What is the "Kelley Blue Book" Price?
  • oscar_gataoscar_gata Member Posts: 96
    Ok, ok. Using the Edmunds' True Market Value Pricing, the deal doesn't look as outstanding for a base model, but it still revolves around the condition of the Santa Fe. If its in poor condition, $4500 is too much. If its in average or better condition, then it looks like a good deal. In any event, have a reputable garage check it out before you buy. The mileage is definitely high.
  • cadmonkeycadmonkey Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2002 SF, I bought mine used in 2003 (16k) from an individual. Hyundai confirmed there was a 5yr/60k warranty. I had my timing belt changed at 60K as specified in the manual. I had a independent garage change it - at half the cost of a Hyundai dealer.
    I've had no problems with my SF, it's now got 85k on it. It has the 4cyl-5sp power train - never less than 25mpg. Just not a hot rod.
    The original tires were horrible for winter snowfall (Bridgestones), but after I put some Liberators on it-the snow was not a factor.
    Just my .02 cents.
  • tanned2000tanned2000 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 with 80,000 miles on it and have not replaced the timing belt. The engine runs great. Am I in trouble if I don't replace it soon?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Edmunds Maintenance Guide says it should be replaced at 60,000 miles.

    If your engine is an interference one, then you are risking catastrophic engine damage if it breaks on you. If it's not an interference engine then the biggest risk is getting stranded somewhere or losing power on an interstate, which wouldn't be much fun. An owner should be able to pipe in and say what kind of engine is in yours. Gates.com says interference for the 4 and the V6, but you should double check that.

    I'm, ahem, ~8,000 miles overdue on replacing the one in my wagon. :blush:
  • tanned2000tanned2000 Member Posts: 2
    How do I tell if the engine is an interference opne or not?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Anyone?
  • espo35espo35 Member Posts: 144
    All Hyundai engines are interference engines. Your timing belt breaks- valves hit pistons.

    Mucho dinero.
  • freedomflierfreedomflier Member Posts: 1
    im replacing the water pump in a 04 santa fe with 2.4L i need to know were the timming marks are to be placed
  • stushstush Member Posts: 62
    Have an 02 with about 70,000 on it. About how much am I looking to have it replaced? I also will be taking it to my mechanic buddy. If you please.
  • dick58dick58 Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, V6 with 150,000. I understand that it has a timing belt that needs to be replaced at times.
    Question #1) I am a past ASE mechanic in all areas, but have not worked in the field for 20 years.
    Is this a project that I could do in the driveway?
    I have not checked into anything until "Now". I know some engines are VERY easy and others are NOT.
  • mikebutkusmikebutkus Member Posts: 18
    The smaller engines have timing belts. It makes the car cheaper to make. Then they'll hit you for $400+ for a timing belt at 60K.
    The 3.3L is a timing chain, same as the 3.8 Veracruze.
    I will never buy a car with a timing belt again. If the belt breaks, it will toast the engine for $2K - $4K. Even at 50K, Hyundai will not warranty a timing belt nor it's damage.
    Audi had to have an out of court settlement after their cars broke their belts and got $4K of engine repairs. That's after YEARS of court battles. Google it.

    The timing belts can be pretty easy to replace. I did two, a Chrysler and a Mitibishi. The Chrylser was a piece of cake. Just the one or two items in the front of the engine had to be removed. The Mitibishi was a nightmare... never again.
    The Federal Gov. should never allow a interference engine to have a timing belt. They can make an engine not be interference, but then the car companies won't make a fortune off them. Lots of places will replace them at less cost, but will they warranty the ENGINE if they do it wrong ?
    Many engines require lots of parts removed to just get to the belt. Then they have special parts needed to line up the gears.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Does it have a timing belt? If so, how often does the manual reccommend changing? My girlfriend is considering buying one of these.

    Thanks!!
  • plantinumsonplantinumson Member Posts: 6
    i agree however until recently the chain needed to tun and overhead valve motor were noisy and not reliable to for years belts were used the issue aries with the interference part in order to get these cars to run clean the cam over lap needs to be in a way that the engine winds up being interference its a double edge sword but if you get 4-5 years and have to spend 400 to change the belt that s not so bad
  • brackbillbrackbill Member Posts: 2
    I was reading your post. Did you ever find out how difficult it was to change your own belt. I am considering changing mine as well. I would be grateful for any information you could offer.
  • hhandbaskethhandbasket Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Santa Fe. The timing belt was replaced at 60K miles. DUMB question, but should I assume it needs replacement every 60K?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yep, every 60k.

    Edmunds Maintenance Guide
  • macdoddmacdodd Member Posts: 3
    How hard is it to replace the belt?
  • longo2longo2 Member Posts: 347
    edited December 2010
    2006-2006: Limited; 6 Cyl 3.5L;
    2003-2006: GLS; 6 Cyl 3.5L;
    2003-2005: LX; 6 Cyl 3.5L;

    The Gates Catalog also carry timing belts for the 2.7 V-6's as well.

    Looks like the 3.3 engines get the timing chains instead of the belts..IMO a much better deal.
  • dashingwavedashingwave Member Posts: 22
    edited December 2010
    Don't just change the timing belt , have them replace the water pump and the ac, alternator and the power steering belts with the timing belt.
    Combine repairs and you'll save big and buy all your parts except the timing belt ( you want the shop to be liable if the belt breaks right away ) .Since all the labor was to get to the timing belt, no additional labor would be needed to put on the other belts .

    word of advice : don't ignore the timing belt change . I had a 1982 Ford Escort with a timing belt. I had no idea it had one or it had to be replaced ( stinkin car co's won't post a message on the engine warning about the timing belt ) . It had 67000 miles, it was 7 1/2 years old and one day I was driving it and I heard some noise in the engine and I kept driving for about 15 miles and then the car died. I tried starting the car again and again, nothing. Next time I hear a noise from the engine I'm stopping. Now I'll know it might be the timing belt failing and I might catch it in time. Don't count on hearing a noise, it might snap just like that and your car is out of commission.
    I'm not really upset about a timing belt change and the cost because I have to replace the water pump and the other belts at 60 anyway .

    re: the timing belt in the 1982 escort, me and my father changed the belt ( after the engine was re-bored and new valves installed ) ourselves using a Chilton repair manual. But the engine was already apart and it was easier to repair then.
  • somedai1somedai1 Member Posts: 416
    LOL! I have a friend with a 2001 Toyota Corolla- 225k miles - never did timing belt.... pressing their luck though!
  • treo1treo1 Member Posts: 1
    ACTUAL MECHANIC, take advice from people like me...

    Hyundai technician

    so just you know, being some one who works at the dealership, we HATE when we have to do timing chains... belts are far more easily replaced, and way cheaper... on chains you pretty much remove the engine from the car.. or do it the harder way IN the car (removing ENTIRE front of engine(engine front cover), so if this CHAIN isn't under warranty.. you'll get charged something like 5800 bucks.. so i rather replace the 400 dollar belt at sixty thousand. any day.

    good day

    oh btw i've never seen a car.. have a factory timing belt detonate an engine.. IF it was done every sixty thousand, or according to manufacture specific mantainence schedules.

    just don't buy a suzuki..
  • somedai1somedai1 Member Posts: 416
    by the time a chain needs to be done... isn't the car beat anyway? you would have to love or need it real bad to keep it at that point to want to spend to replace it... what's the maintenance interval on a chain?
  • ladydemonsialadydemonsia Member Posts: 5
    My husband is undertaking the changing of my timing belt on a 2004 Santa Fe 2.7L. I have a huge power steering leak and he decided that if he's doing half the job anyways, he's going to do the rest. I am looking for accurate instructions specific to my make/model car. I saw them a few months ago, but now I can't find them... He is also planning on replacing the water pump and alternator while everything is apart. Is there any other parts that should be replaced at this time? Also when I had this done the first time(at a mechanic), I swore they replaced a belt, not chain, but now that I am price shopping parts, all I can find is a replacement chain??
    Thanks for any advice!
  • dick58dick58 Member Posts: 3
    Hi, I don't have the manual I bought at hand but can locate it if needed. I had a large PS leak also last month. It was coming from the pressure hose at a connection about a foot from the pump. I found a good price at "RockAuto.com". I ended up only replacing the rubber part not the metal part, was a lot easer replacing at the connection.
    Later,
    Dick
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    Go to http://www.hmaservice.com. You can create an account and then have access to the info you are looking for.
  • ladydemonsialadydemonsia Member Posts: 5
    I have tried to register for that site www.hmaservice.com, but it either wont load or I can't confirm the account set up. I have tried Firefox, IE 64bit and 32bit, with no success.

    I was able to find a detailed description on removing the timing after more searching.

    As for the power steering leak. I need to replace all the metal lines as the lower pressure line is cracked and the high pressure line is scraped up quite a bit. But I found out we can bend new lines using steel brake line. Some of the rubber hose needs to be replaced also.
  • badjackbadjack Member Posts: 2
    My engine died doing 55 last night. No noise. When I tried starter, it sounded like solenoid would spin. Hoping is fuel pump or engine fuse. But does it usually make a racket before it breaks?
  • dick58dick58 Member Posts: 3
    You just broke a belt, just hope you didn't bend any valves. Don't try to start, as this may bend valves.
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    Does the 2013 St Fe 4 cylinder have a timing belt that needs changing?
    Thanks
  • badjackbadjack Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Dick, I did not hear any bad sounds when it died so am hoping fuel filter or something along sensors. But the scary part is way the starter did not kick in and if bad starter, would not kill engine. Course wont know till Tuesday. Thanks again.
  • ron2015ron2015 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 Santa Fe changed the timing belt at 60k that did not keep the engine from failing the other day at 109k . Timing belt , pulley etc all failed mechanic said never seen anything like that before . It ruined the engine oh well was 6 weeks from trading for new vehicle , just moved my time frame up a bit . Loved that car but will never get another one unless Hyundai re- engineers that engine timing belt issue .
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Loved that car but will never get another one unless Hyundai re- engineers that engine timing belt issue .

    New Hyundai's don't require timing belt changes any more, if I recall correctly. They all now use a timing chain.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    edited November 2012
    moving backwards on the timing chain vs. timing belt deal. My 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS has a timing chain, too, and I notice this is becoming a semi-universal standard now. Tell me VW also uses timing chains...eh?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • barryouellettebarryouellette Member Posts: 1
    I just had my timing belt changed by the dealer. I'm now getting a hi pitch whine when I accelerate which wasn't there before. Also, my engine cover is ow made do plastic, and I could swear that it was originally metal? Am I crazy?
  • ladydemonsialadydemonsia Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2012
    The engine cover is plastic, or at least it is on mine (2004 2.7L). The whine could be a number of things, but I'd definitely take it back if they just worked on it. Did you have anything else replaced at the same time? There is a couple of pulleys and the water pump that could/should be replaced with the timing belt. The power steering belt is also removed.
  • rchwil1rchwil1 Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone confirm that the Santa Fe 3.3L engine has a timing chain rather than a belt. Thanks
    If its a chain do they need replace on a schedule?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 236,777
    rchwil1 said:

    Can anyone confirm that the Santa Fe 3.3L engine has a timing chain rather than a belt. Thanks
    If its a chain do they need replace on a schedule?

    What year is your Santa Fe?

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 236,777
    rchwil1 said:

    Can anyone confirm that the Santa Fe 3.3L engine has a timing chain rather than a belt. Thanks
    If its a chain do they need replace on a schedule?

    Looking in the wayback machine to 2008, it looks like it's a chain.

    http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/10867/hyundai/santa-fe/hyundai-santa-fe-have-a-timing-belt-or-timing-chain

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