2005 Elantra GT--timing belt or chain--when to replace belt?
 

I think it has a belt, but not sure.......
I'm new here and just purchased the car......It has 118k on it, and previous owner doesn't know if timing belt has been replaced or not--he thinks it has, but has no records to prove it.........I think the recommended interval for changing belts on Hyundais in general is every 4 years or 60,000 miles, if I remember correctly.

If it had never been changed, wouldn't it have snapped before now?........Regardless, I think I'm going to change it anyway to be on safe side......I have about another week before my mechanic will be able to do it for me......Am I safe to drive it for another week before he can get to it?.......I got a really good deal on it, so I couldn't pass it up, but now I'm scared to drive for the next week.

It has no leaks at all anywhere, and looks very well maintained, no ticking noises coming from engine, starts right up on first try and drives very well.....Peppy little car, I love it..!!

I believe the 2005 Elantra has a timing belt much like my 2001 Elantra
average life of a timing belt should be around 100k miles
That is failure time.
The projected 4 years or 60k miles is to be preventative of engine damage due to timing belt failure
And I have heard some say that it can be changed at 90k without a problem

When the timing belt fails, there are no warning signs.
It is just a big ... engine stalls and won't restart
Then thousands of dollars worth of repairs are needed.
But, can't worry about something before it happens ...????

So, if 100K is the general failure point for timing belts, the belt on my 2005 Elantra at 118K, would have probably already failed by now if timing belt had NEVER been replaced, right?......The problem is I don't exactly know when it was done, since I bought it used....

I'm going to get the belt replaced anyway just to be on safe side.......It's so frustrating when the owner didn't save any service records.

My mechanic can't do the job until next week though.....Here's hoping I'll be good until next week.....**SIGH**

The 100k is just a guide line
Really should not exceed that to be safe
However, if the belts are made well (depending upon manufacturer) then ...
Look around the engine.
Sometimes the mechanic who replaces it .. will put a sticker with mileage of replacement

Good luck with the new ride

Thanks....I am having belt replaced next week, since I have no idea when it was changed.....I am scared not to because it has 118K now

My car has 126k on it.
Found the sticker on the side of the engine near the timing belt cover
Said it was changed 62k
If I keep the car then I will have to change it.
Not looking forward to it. Waiting for warmer weather and a talk with the wife
We make decisions together. She wants a new car.
I rather not spend so much money that I don't have.

Irishchick19, I replaced the timing belt on my wife's 2006 Elantra at around 85K miles with a Gates timing belt kit. It now has 145K miles and I don't plan on replacing it until around 170K.


Gates official interval for the 2005/2006 Elantra is 60K miles. I think 85K is fine. Your days are numbered, but I wouldn't worry about another week or so.


Avisitor, replacing the timing belt on a car with 126K miles is a lot cheaper than buying a new car.

Thanks....I just had the job done...Whew, now I can finally have some peace for awhile......The previous owner (only one owner before me) confirmed to me that he had NEVER changed the belt.......Guess he was just lucky....He got a little over 118K with the original factory belt.

I, however, did not wish to play timing belt roulette and trash my engine......Personally, whenever I have bought a used car in the past, I have always changed the belt.....Better safe than sorry.