Hi- in my search for the protege- I've talked to several owners and a couple cars within the 65-75k mile range..

are these cars need timing belts change at the normal 60k miles?? one owner told me they only need every 100k? which is correct- thanks!!!

 

60,000 miles or 100,000 km's. Does that answer you question?

 

I think it's recomended at 60k. Now, aren't there some states(like Massachusetts, or somewhere in the N. East) that require certain non-wear items warrantied to at least 90k, timing belt included.

So would that be a different part number timing belt ie better quality?

Or is it a calculated gamble...same belt, cross your fingers and hope it lasts an extra 30k and if it breaks, just eat the repair cost.

Or are all the timing belts good for 90k but Mazda would prefer you in more often for profit, er--service.

 

calculated gamble. these timing belts are really tough. they can last a good long time. i bought an old mistu htbk once that had tb 68k scratched on the timing cover... i drove the car from about 100k to about 120k, bought a timing belt, couldn't get this one pulley bolt off, gave up and waited until about 160k (skool can really get you caught up in things). it was difficult to distinguish between the new and the old belt... 100k miles old. of course when it goes, so does your car, paid or un-paid. sucks to make payments on a car that doens't even run.

i say do it of you can (at 60k intervals)... if you get stuck on a pulley bolt, don't sweat it, just do it asap. cheap insurance.

 

Funny- I just called one of the local dealers, and the service guy told me 100k miles for this, can anyone check their service manual??? I dont have this car yet, so I cant...thanks

 

The recommendation on my '96 was 60,000 miles and I had it changed it at 65,000. I looked at the belt and it looked almost new. The part number for the replacement belt is the same for the '97's which the factory recommendation was 90,000 miles. I am at 140,000 miles and I am going to wait until it hits 155,000 before I change it again.

 

What should I expect to pay to get it changed ? I'm assuming its not too hard, I have changed mine on my dohc neon, its probably rather similiar.

Austin

 

I just got mine don a few weeks ago, about $250 CDN.
Get them to locktite the crankshaft bolt.

 

60 to 65,000 would be the best. You never want to push something farther than reasonable. I would say 75,000 at the max!