I note that the timing belt is to be changed at 60,000 miles - but according to my owners' manual, if you are in California, the interval is 120,000 miles - is there something different about that belt in California??

 

There are some differences with California cars which use SULEV engines instead of ULEV. Yet, considering the basic engine design is an interference one (the valves and pistons will collide and trash the engine if the belt breaks), I'd be hesitant to run it all the way out to 120,000. However, if it did fail between 60 and 100k and you are the original owner, that should be covered under the drivetrain warranty I would think.

Having said all that, I know someone I can ask that can possibly give a more definitive answer; I'll let you know.

 

I checked my manual for my 05 and it looks to me like the timing belt is a 60,000 mile replacement with no note that SULEV is any different. I'm looking at Section 5, Page 5 of my manual. Where do you see 120,000 miles?

 

I changed mineat 59000 miles, he's a friend of mine and said he has seen timing belts break anywhere from 55000 to 85000 miles. I paid $350 to replace it, cheaper than an engine.

 

My timing belt on 95 Elantra is gone in 100,000 km. The car now has 200,000 km and the teeth on the belt were worn away so the crank would turn but had no teeth to grab on to so it would just spin and not turn the cam. Now Im with the delema of pulling the head off and looking to see what damage if any occured. Its an interference engine I'm told so is there any chance no damage occured is my question??? My other option other than pulling off the head is to put on a new timing belt and tensioner and testing the compression after. NAPA $100 for timing belt kit.