Ever Replace a Timing Belt?

[Whatsit]

I have a 2000 Cirrus and it has over 120,000 miles on it. The manual says to replace the timing belt. Has anyone done this? If so how long should I plan?
BTW I have had a timing belt go on me in a 83' LeBaron, it bent the valve which then eventually took a ****.
Why do they still use belts???

 

[bmwpower]

On a 2000 Cirrus? No, but I've done it on other cars. I would say plan on a couple of days since you've never done it before. I hope it's not like the timing belt on a Dodge Strattus my father-in-law did a little while ago. It called for removing the engine to do it, but he was able to sneak the parts in/out while the engine was raised not out completely.

 

[the intimidator]

i have done one on other cars buy a manual for it from walmart ect nothing fancy just to help you along it shouldnt be to hard unless you need to raise the engine or pull it. i would plan on most of the afternoon if you dont need to remove the engine and probabally the weekend if you need to move the engine around

 

[Brian]

Why do they still use timing belts?
Cheap, light, quiet, and don't require lubrication like a chain or gears.

Some engines will suffer damage from a broken belt (interference engines), and some won't (non interference or "freewheeling") I don't know which one your Stratus is but obviously changing the belt at recomended intervals is more important on the interference type.
I would give yourself a full day to do it. More if is says anything about major disassembly or engine mounts.

 

[Jared]

check if your car is and interference engine on this site http://www.familycar.com/CarCare/GatesFrame.htm

 

[trovato]

Also, on many cars it makes sense to replace the water pump at the same time. You've already done 90% of the labor, so if you don't think the water pump is likely to last until the next timing belt change, you may as well do it now.

 

[joenero]

4 or 6 cylinder?
I can give you an idea

 

[53sled]

Make sure to put reference marks on the cam gears, when you release tension they get out of phase. Refer to the service manual on releasing the tensioner pulley. document everything, you should be ok.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have a 2000 Cirrus and it has over 120,000 miles on it. The manual says to replace the timing belt. Has anyone done this? If so how long should I plan?

Which motor?

I have a '99 Breeze (same car) with a 2.0 engine. Everything on the RH side is a pain to get to, I'll attest to that. I've got to do the belt in the near future also (@85K right now) and am not looking forward to it. I do have the factory manuals however, and that will help.

On my 2.3 Ranger.............. a couple of hours.................. on this thing, dunno.

Charles

 

[jstbecauz]

It is not that bad. I did one the week before last, generally do about 2 timing belts a week or so. I can fax you all the details if you want them. Step by step directions, and pictures of the installation. Just let me know if you need them.