Own a 2005 Sante Fe V6 AWD. I just came back from dealer after getting state inspection. Dealer recommended a few repairs, the biggest of which is timing belt replacement. Car has 39K mi and am original owner. I get it's an interference engine and all that, but realistically, is there a high failure rate at this mileage/age? Are the belts really that wimpy that they bomb out at such short time frames or is Hyundai setting a very very low timeframe so they don't have to payout on warranty claims. I'm not looking to push it for another 3 years but another year would be nice given the low miles and the zillion other expenses I'm facing right now.

 

Many times age is harder than mileage on a belt. It's the heating and cooling cycles that can damage it. All I know is, some belts have lasted longer, and some haven't. Some went 120,000 miles without breaking and some broke very soon after 60,000 miles.

It's really a crap shoot. I doubt one year would make a difference but I wouldn't suggest going longer than that. But I can't guarantee it will last. You have to ask yourself, if I wait and it breaks, will the cost of the damage repair be worth it?

 

Either of the V6 (2.7 or 3.5) have rather heavy wide belt on them... go ahead and hit your 60,000 mark and do it.

 

As Nova mentioned age of the belt is a pretty big factor. Can it last
another year? Sure, maybe it could last another ten years, who
knows. But maybe it won't last another three months. Having the
timing belt replaced can be an expensive proposition, but it's still
cheaper than a new engine.

John

 

Just wanted to let you know that I just drove and added another 600 miles on my 2003 Santa Fe V6. Original owner and I have a total of 96,356 miles and still have the original timing belt. My point is it doesn't have to get it change as soon as possible. That will be my next project for this week. I would suggest 75,000 miles is good. I waited too long but hey truck still runs in perfect condition.

 

While that's great for you, it's foolish and very bad advice. As an original owner, you have a 10y/100k mile warranty. If that belt breaks now, you will not be covered by the warranty.

Here's what happens when a belt breaks (with only 77,000 miles):
https://www.hyundaiforum.com/forum/s...ad.php?p=20637

 

where do you line up camshafts on a 2.4l 2004 santa fe?

 

Go to this topic, detailed pics and explanation of oil pump drive so you do not have vibration from setting it incorrectly --> https://www.hyundaiforum.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=7999

 

Took car in to get it "winterized", came out in a couple of hours with a new timing belt, battery replacement, battery mount replacement...$500+ dollars. The vehicle has 18881 miles on it.....what gives????? Shouldn't this be done under warranty????

 

Did you authorize the work to be done ?

Did you know what was being done before you said yes ?

Did they return your old parts for your inspection ?

Warranty ?? ---> 6yr old car in most respects.. you is out of 5/60 warranty period, and the timing belt did not fail.... so warranty will not pay replacement.. everything you did for most part is maintanance.