06 Hyundai SantaFe

[charbaby]

My FIL in Fla. has an 06 SantaFe 2.7 V6 w/32000 miles on the clock. He recently brought the SUV into the dealer for some warranty work and he was told that he should have the timing belt replaced. Of course, I think their FOS! The service tech showed my FIL an old timing belt w/teeth missing and told him that this is what happens and what could happen to his engine should the belt break. The service tech told my FIL that Hyundai recomends the belt be replaced @ 60,000 miles but, because their in Florida and that the Fla heat deteriorates things much faster, that the dealership recomends changing the timing belt at 4 years/40,000 miles. I told my FIL that if he were 50 years younger, that he could laugh in the tech's face and whip him with that belt. Maybe Im wrong!

My questions are:
1)Does this engine have a belt or chain?
2)What is the normal service time for replacement?
3)Is this belt easy to check?(pull a cover and take a look?)
4)The dealer told him that the OM says 60000 miles; aren't most belts today good for at least 100,000 miles today? I thought the 60,000 mile belt replacement went out after the '80s!

I think that with my FIL's driving style(Florida easy) and the low mileage(32,000mi) that he will be fine for quite some time before he needs a replacement. He can't find his owners manual.

Comments Please!

 

[Popinski]

I'm pretty sure it's 60,000 miles. I have an Elantra and I change mine every 60,000 miles. The old belt still looked good and I am an easy driver.

 

[montero1]

I'm sure that people in Boston are told the cold wears them out faster LOL. I'd hold off until 10 years, 100k.

 

[John_K]

My 05 Sonata says 60k miles in the manual. The dealer has a sign up that they "recommend" it be done sooner. Of course, they also "recommend" I just direct deposit my paycheck in their account each week.

John

 

[Bill in Utah]

As soon as the stealership brought out the old belt with the teeth missing I'd find someplace else to waste my time with as they are full of it.

While time is a concern, 4 years is not. As heat is a concern its just as hot under the hood there as it is at most other places.

I would place a call to the Manager of the stealership and let them know why they LOST his business. I've done that a few times for family members.

Bill

 

[Eddie]

Many vehicles like Subaru now spec 105,000 miles but, my Hyundia states 60,000 so that is what I will do. Some dealers have their own service plan OR agenda to make extra money-smile. Ed

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: montero1
I'm sure that people in Boston are told the cold wears them out faster LOL. I'd hold off until 10 years, 100k.


So true, here in Canada it's always the extreme cold that breaks stuff up

. Dealers will say anything to scare the customer into unneeded maintenance, just keep your cool, know what the owner’s manual says and just say no, it's that simple.

 

[ChiTDI]

Let's make sure it is a non-interference engine before going past the recommended change interval, though.

 

[The Critic]

I need to check, but I believe the interval was 4 years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: ChiTDI
Let's make sure it is a non-interference engine before going past the recommended change interval, though.


No Doubt!

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I need to check, but I believe the interval was 4 years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first.


Only 32,000 miles. He'll wait a bit but not forever!

Also, he's going to check around for the best price with the best belt.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Only 32,000 miles. He'll wait a bit but not forever!

Also, he's going to check around for the best price with the best belt.


What if it invalidates his 10/100k powertrain warranty?

The best belt is the dealer belt, period.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

The owners manual in my 2006 Elantra says to change it at 60K. I'm pretty sure (but not positive) that the engine in mine is an interference engine.

 

[JTK]

For my 2008 Santa Fe 2.7L, the manual states change the T-belt every 50Kmi or 48mo for severe service and 75Kmi/60mo for normal service. So I guess ~60Kmi is about middle ground. I'm at 50K with mine. I'll change it somewhere between 60-75Kmi.

Joel

 

[crazyoildude]

If you do decide to replace that belt use one from the dealer..All we do are engines and we see them coming in here with bent valves and worse just because a cheap belt was used.. On some engines we rebuild we use oem belts

 

[marcre]

That seems crazy to me to have to change the T belt so soon. Especially if it's an expensive service. I think my car calls for 120k.

 

[charbaby]

Well, he's an old man and drives like one. His serpentine belt still looks OK so, Im assuming the timeing belt look better. He'll get it done but, he just had a hip replacement and when he is in better condition, he'll get it done.

Thanks to all.
CB

 

[JTK]

Problem is, how far would you be willing to go at ~75Kmi?? I'd really hesitate to change the water pump, idler, tensioner, etc... on my 2008 2.7L at that mileage. I'd be more apt to just change the serp belt and T-belt at 60-75Kmi and leave everything else for beyond 120Kmi.

Joel