2004 Elantra-Timing belt wear

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2004 Elantra-Timing belt wear

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2004 Elantra-Timing belt wear - 4/7/2008 10:37:39 AM

WaltP

Posts: 1
Joined: 4/7/2008
Status: offline

I bought a 2004 Elantra new in 2004 which we use as a commuter car. I enjoy the car and so far haven't had any trouble with it. I change the oil and filter every 3000-3500 miles and make sure the car's tires are properly inflated and rotated as required. I'm approaching 60,000 miles and according to the Service Manual the timing belt should be changed. How critical is it to change it @ 60,000 miles and if the belt woudl break, what are the consequences? Any and all information would be appreciated!

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RE: 2004 Elantra-Timing belt wear - 4/7/2008 10:59:30 AM

NovaResource

Posts: 530
Joined: 5/29/2005
Status: offline

The 2.0L Beta 4-cyl engine in your Elantra is an interference motor. That means the pistons and valves occupy the same space in the cylinders but at different times. The timing belt is what keep the cams and valves in time with the pistons. If the timing belt breaks, the cams and valves stop moving. Unfortunately, the pistons keep moving. So what then happens is the pistons come up and break or bend all the valves. This means a new cylinder head at least.

Your motor is covered for 10 years and/or 100k miles. Hyundai says change the belt at 60K. If the belt breaks before 60K miles they will replace the cylinder head (or engine) for free. However, do you think Hyundai will replace the cylinder head (or engine) under warranty of the timing belt breaks after 60k miles? I doubt it.

Now, many people will tell you the belt can easily last longer than 60K miles and that they have done so on their car. And I am inclined to agree with them on paper. But we don’t drive “on paper” and in the real world do you think any of those people give you the money you need to replace your engine if it breaks after 60K miles and Hyundai denies the warranty because you failed to do the suggested maintenance? Fat chance.

So you've got to ask yourself a question, "Do I feel lucky?"
Well, do ya punk?

< Message edited by NovaResource -- 4/8/2008 6:23:54 AM >

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RE: 2004 Elantra-Timing belt wear - 4/7/2008 7:03:27 PM

WheelBroker1

Posts: 499
Joined: 11/4/2006
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Fix the belt or face the Consequences, my Hyundai Man says so..He's a real gold certified by Hyundai...

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