Timing belt replacement: age or mileage?

[lmacmil]

I know there's a mileage limit on the timing belt but never thought about its life being age related also. Was getting my oil changed today at a dealer I've never been to before (and I happen to be out of town on vacation). My 2005 3.3L SE has 57,000 miles on it. The service advisor suggested that the timing belt should probably be replaced since the car is almost 7 years old.

Is that legitimate or was he just trying trying to pump up the service business? I told him no for now.

[lostsoul125]

I definitely would ignore it. If you have your own trusty mechanic that you usually go to, wait and go ask him. His reference and argument is because of aging. My sister and mom have had their cars for a LONG time and not once did they get the timing belt changed because of age.

[lmacmil]

I dug out my maintenance schedule and it says replace timing belt at 90,000 miles or 108 months (9 years), well beyond the 57,000 miles and 7 year age of my car.

[JohnGD]

Rubber does age with time, and if the engine has VVT then it's an interference engine I'd have it changed. If you can do your own work then every 5-years/60K miles would be better.

The water pump, pulleys, and oil seals should be changed while in there. So negotiate a "package deal" before going in. Once they tear into the car the prices jump.

[MR2Jedi]

Like stated above, it's a belt and it with time, it will develop cracks and fray. Like any belt or hose, regardless of miles, you should at least do a visual inspection at 4 year intervals. You may prevent being stranded or even engine damage if you have an interference engine. At the very least, gain peace of mind by doing regular inspections.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

If you do replace it, do the waterpump at the sametime, because it will need to be done as well, and it is easier and cheaper to do both at once.

I did mine at 90k miles.