My TW had a 75K service today and the dealer suggested the timing belt be done, which I put off for now.

Does anyone know of a place in Adelaide they recommend for changing the timing belt for a reasonable price?

Why did he recommend a change now?

Is it cracked?

no, purely on the basis of time. Checking the book, Mitsi say 100k or 5yrs, and my TW was made in 05/05.

There's been lots of previous discussion on this. I plan to do it fairly soon, but I'm looking for hte best price I can.

Costs for a belt change:

Dealer = most expensive, $600- $800

Local mechanic = cheaper. BUT ask him if he has done one before, and he feels confident to do it, as a first timer may stuff it up.

DIY yourself = cheapest. You shouldn't need anything else other than the belt, about $100 from the dealer or half that price imported. Plus $35 for the tensioner tool. I do mine myself but only because I know what I'm doing and am a tightass when it comes to paying someone else to work on my cars. lol

Lots of threads on this forum about the need to change the belt, and the best time to do it, have a search. I replaced the original belt on a 9 year old TJ at 110,000 km and it still looked ok, so perhaps you need not be in a hurry? Just an idea.

I paid my local mechanic $540 to do it.

They are "Ultra Car Care" as Reynella. Good bunch of guys there.

I paid my local mechanic $540 to do it.

They are "Ultra Car Care" as Reynella. Good bunch of guys there.

Did ya stick to the time/km recommendation or go over? We should have a poll on when people actually do the belt change perhaps? (Add costs if you can)

Me first!

TJ 3.5L V6 at 110,000 km and 9 years. ($85)
TS 3.0L V6: 2 years, 40,000 km or so, because the belt was oil soaked. (last owner of the car stuffed up the crank oil seal. $1,200 but this included head overhaul)

Just because a mechanic says he's done something before and feels confident in doing it doesnt mean jack. I had a mechanic once cut a hole in the bell housing of a gearbox to take the clutch off because he didnt know how to remove a pull type clutch. I dont care how many times he says he's done sports cars, skylines, gtr's, porsches bla bla, he hadnt even removed the required rubber boot and the pin needs to be removed was covered in a uniform layer of crap. Expensive.

Did ya stick to the time/km recommendation or go over?

I went over by about 20xxxk's and it still only cost me $540.

I went over by about 20xxxk's and it still only cost me $540.

Yeah, a lot of people seem to go over without any harm. Still worth doing it at the right time just for the peace of mind though.

And resale

I got mine done by mechanic for a lil over $600

just been quoted bewteen 540 and 750 depending on whether you get just the belt or a replacement 'kit', the tensioner replaced, the water pump replaced, the back 3 platinum plugs replaced, genuine parts or not...I have been quoted between 1300 and 1600 for the belt, the bells and 105k service. That is a big amount of money to part with. Not feeling very chipper about it.

At 105,000 you probably only need a new belt. I bought the whole replacement kit but things checked out fine on my TJ at 110,000 km. Only the new belt went on.

Thanks, good info to have.

I just got three quotes for service + timing belt
1.Highlands pit lane was $575 for a service + timing belt
2.Jim wall mechanic was $1000 for fulkl service, belt + tensioning kit and new plugs (he said subtract a 'few hundred' if you only want the belt)
3. Worners mechanic was $450 for service + timing belt

I decided to go with number 3($450 for service + timing belt) because all i really need is the belt and spark plugs should last alot more then 66thou.
Not bad value?

spark plugs are recomended to be changed every 60 thou.

our gets just had to have its plugs changed an it only has 40k on it. (as it was missing due to sparkplug failure)

spark plugs are recomended to be changed every 60 thou.

Where you get that from? can anybody confirm this? i thought modern spark plugs were every 100,000.

just been quoted bewteen 540 and 750 depending on whether you get just the belt or a replacement 'kit', the tensioner replaced, the water pump replaced, the back 3 platinum plugs replaced, genuine parts or not...I have been quoted between 1300 and 1600 for the belt, the bells and 105k service. That is a big amount of money to part with. Not feeling very chipper about it.

I've booked it into K-mart auto at Marion shopping ctr. The guy asked how many k's has it done, explained the difference between belt only ($350) and belt + kit (idlers, bearings, seals etc) for $550. Mine has done only 73k so he said belt only should be fine, I agreed. They use Repco parts. Booked in for next week. Seems like a good price, forgot to ask if it includes GST.

Will report back after the job.

Peter

. Seems like a good price, forgot to ask if it includes GST.

Will report back after the job.

Peter

It must include GST if you are a retail customer.......some 'sharp' operators quote a price, then when the job is done they add a "GST" factor which is pure profit and does not end up with the taxman. When you are quoted on any job from A to Z the price must include GST.

do that mate, I'd be interested in how you find them. Its a bit too far away from me but I could try one of the K-mart autos closer to home.
I've booked it into K-mart auto at Marion shopping ctr. The guy asked how many k's has it done, explained the difference between belt only ($350) and belt + kit (idlers, bearings, seals etc) for $550. Mine has done only 73k so he said belt only should be fine, I agreed. They use Repco parts. Booked in for next week. Seems like a good price, forgot to ask if it includes GST.

Will report back after the job.

Peter

I've booked it into K-mart auto at Marion shopping ctr. The guy asked how many k's has it done, explained the difference between belt only ($350) and belt + kit (idlers, bearings, seals etc) for $550. Mine has done only 73k so he said belt only should be fine, I agreed. They use Repco parts. Booked in for next week. Seems like a good price, forgot to ask if it includes GST.

Will report back after the job.

Peter

Ask for the old belt back, get them to stamp your log book, and there should be a sticker with the new belt to go on the engine to show it has been done.

Am booked into K mart CIty for next Thursday
366 for service
358 for belt
Bloke says that nothing else needs to be changed at 100k, but will let me know if it does.
I will keep you posted.

check logbook ,

the platinum plugs should last 100k but normal ones should be changed more regulary

yeah i am assuming the service quote includes platinum plugs but will check. Mitsi quoted me just over a grand, they reckon you are supposed to get a trans flush too so am assuming I get that as part of my quote at Kmart.

I've booked it into K-mart auto at Marion shopping ctr. The guy asked how many k's has it done, explained the difference between belt only ($350) and belt + kit (idlers, bearings, seals etc) for $550. Mine has done only 73k so he said belt only should be fine, I agreed. They use Repco parts. Booked in for next week. Seems like a good price, forgot to ask if it includes GST.

Will report back after the job.

Peter


Also let me know, Im just about to starting calling around and booking mine in for the belt so please let me know how u find em

portside mitsubishi - $290 inc belt, and youll be knowing its with a genuine belt. obviously more with pullys/seals etc

thats a pretty good price. Is it current?
portside mitsubishi - $290 inc belt, and youll be knowing its with a genuine belt. obviously more with pullys/seals etc

thats a pretty good price. Is it current?

Sure is. Two different Kmart centres in Melbourne quoted me 9 -12 hundred depending on whether or not the water pump was replaced. This included everything else for a major service but still....sheesh that's expensive.

Am booked into K mart CIty for next Thursday
366 for service
358 for belt
Bloke says that nothing else needs to be changed at 100k, but will let me know if it does.
I will keep you posted.

Bloke is wrong
The 100 service if done at mits is broken up over 90 and 105 so doing at 100 you need the lot

Brake fluid
Coolant
Plugs
Trans FLUSH
Filter, oil, fuel and air
belt, recommend using one with seals and pulleys etc

The comment about that 900 to 1200 is expensive, sadly this is what happens when you own a car. It is not expensive at all when you consider the cost of the parts alone and add to this that the job is pretty much a full days work. A business needs to make an income to survive and add to this that you go to a plumber and you will most likely pay more than that for a basic job as well. The 100k service is not done on a regular basis so when you weigh up the amount of driving you get out of that car for the total cost of the maintenance of you do treat it right, it is not all that bad in a Magna. Grab a BMW, basic oil change is over $600, Commo VE, mate had his services, they did the oil, filter and cleaned the brakes, was near a grand for that.

Cooperplace, you are being charged an additional $200 for a belt kit over a simple belt, you are being done over mate, the complete kit is only around $145 where the belt on its own is about $95

to clarify, he said I dont need water pump, tensioner or kit because there should not be anthing wrong wih these at 105k, and if for some reason there is he will be able to tell and will call me to let me know.

I expect to get the trans flush, filters and platinum plugs.

I will clarify these things when I take it in on Wednesday.

Yeah i guess for a days labor and parts the price is right, but its a big commitment to make on a car worth 10k. With my new tyres I would have spent $1600 in a month which you cant just add on to the price should you sell it. Have a bad feeling I will need brakes too...

G'day guys,
My first post here. So glad I found this forum.
Have a 2001 TJ which has done just over 200 000kms & need timing belt change. Mal I sent you an email to regarding this.
Car was serviced at 195 000km. What should I be looking to replace & more importantly what to pay? Any advice on how to keep cost down? Does have noticeable idler/tensioner noise.

Thanks & cheers!

ok timing belt people.

took my gtv in last wednesday to Kmart in Adelaide, I chose them because ... they were close to my work, polite on the phone, cheap and didnt try to over sell me - they told me that if something else needed doing they would let me know but they did not expect the water pump etc to need doing.

when i took it in at 8am I queried whether the plugs were included and they said no, but that they were supposed to be replaced at 100k and they would ring and quote me on it.

They rang me at around 11 and told me that a couple of the other belts needed replacing, no charge for labour, and that the plugs would be 200 including labour which I reluctantly agreed to (have been told since that its at least a one hour job so I haved no issue there with cost of plugs added.)

Anyway I picked the car up at 5pm and it had only been recently finished, total bill was 1035, bloke said the car was in excellent condition and it had been a pleasure to work on particularly because it was clean (I always clean my car before a service, if a mechanic thinks you dont care about your car why should they?) I threw in a question about my breaks and he said i had another 10k if i drove normally.

He advised me that I would notice that the car accelerated slightly better because of the new belt, and that I would notice a definite improvement in the gear box from the flush. He also complimented me on my tyres (bridgestone forenz).

Since the service I have been on a club cruise through the Adelaide hills and the car handled and drove well.

So in all I am happy so far with the results and I am glad its over. The next service is not for 15k so I have plenty of time to pay this one off.

Smoke it up sex pigs.

I took mine to Kmart Marion today for a new belt. Portside m'bishi is cheaper (for the timing belt) but on the other side of town. They replaced timing, AC and p/steer belts, $420. Seem very pleasant people to deal with. Car is definitely driving better, smoother. They gave me the old belts and there are small cracks etc evident. I will probably go back to them in future.

I took mine to Kmart Marion today for a new belt. Portside m'bishi is cheaper (for the timing belt) but on the other side of town. They replaced timing, AC and p/steer belts, $420. Seem very pleasant people to deal with. Car is definitely driving better, smoother. They gave me the old belts and there are small cracks etc evident. I will probably go back to them in future.

Snap!
I went there today too!
Got new Timing belt + Brake Flush for $435 Good (but not great) customer service..
got the old belt etc back... belt looks to be in great condition original from 2002 TJ with 110,000 on the clock, but im gald i didnt risk it...

Snap!
I went there today too!
Got new Timing belt + Brake Flush for $435 Good (but not great) customer service..
got the old belt etc back... belt looks to be in great condition original from 2002 TJ with 110,000 on the clock, but im gald i didnt risk it...

I might see you next time I'm there. I'm the guy driving the TW magna!

Costs for a belt change:

Dealer = most expensive, $600- $800

Local mechanic = cheaper. BUT ask him if he has done one before, and he feels confident to do it, as a first timer may stuff it up.

DIY yourself = cheapest. You shouldn't need anything else other than the belt, about $100 from the dealer or half that price imported. Plus $35 for the tensioner tool. I do mine myself but only because I know what I'm doing and am a tightass when it comes to paying someone else to work on my cars. lol

Lots of threads on this forum about the need to change the belt, and the best time to do it, have a search. I replaced the original belt on a 9 year old TJ at 110,000 km and it still looked ok, so perhaps you need not be in a hurry? Just an idea.

Hi just wondering what is this $35 tensioner tool? and where can I get one from? only mitsubishi dealers?
cheers

Hi just wondering what is this $35 tensioner tool? and where can I get one from? only mitsubishi dealers?
cheers

Got mine off eBay. Its needed to tension the belt if you do your own belt change.

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/m/mIVZJ3v6Q2d1CDECwZwFQSQ/140.jpg

Type in "mitsubishi belt tool" and you will find some on eBay, $25 starting bid at the moment.

Got mine off eBay. Its needed to tension the belt if you do your own belt change.

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/m/mIVZJ3v6Q2d1CDECwZwFQSQ/140.jpg

Excellent, thanks so much for that info and the picture of the tensioner tool..cheers

I noticed the service manual also lists a cam sprocket tool and crankshaft pulley tool required for the timing belt change. Where did you get these?

I had my 200k timing belt change done through a private mechanic and paid $640. Wasn't the major service just the belt and associated parts changed.

My KH Verada was due for its 200,000 k's service, I bought a timing belt kit off ebay and a water pump, I was going to do it myself but but was going to be a pain as I didn't have all the right tools, I got a quote off a reliable local mechanic, he said about $265 to fit the water pump and timing belt I supplied, so I booked it in, when I picked th car up it was a little dearer as they also replaced the drive belts for the air, power steering and altinator also the cost of the coolant, so all up my ebat parts cost me $250 + $398 at the mechanics = $649 all up which is a good price considering one mechanic quoted me $1200 to do the same job if he supplied all the parts. I asked for the parts back as I wanted to see the condition of them, I was very suprised as the old water pump looked great and so did the timing belt, but guess you just don't know when these parts will fail so best to be on the safe side.

Got timing belt replaced recently at 220k by my local mechanic in Coburg, VIC. Cost $280 - only belt.

Personally at 220k I would never do just a belt on its own, at this mileage I always recommend water pump, idler pulleys and seals UNLESS you know they have been done previously

Personally at 220k I would never do just a belt on its own, at this mileage I always recommend water pump, idler pulleys and seals UNLESS you know they have been done previously

Thanks for the advice. I don't have much knowledge about cars. I did what my mechanic advised. Just bought this car at 209k and it was a shocker to me to pay again for all these things only after 10k kms.

My 05 TW which I bought new in Feb 06 almost has 300,000 on the clock and has never had the timing belt done. After the cars 3rd service at the dealer I decided to do the services myself and when 100,000kms came around it was a 'gonna do' job.... Then 200,000kms ticked over and it became a 'really should do that' job..... At 250,000kms I started getting nervous..... At 290,000ish the auto/tip gearbox kicked the bucket and now I just bought a good second hand engine and box complete with 153,000kms on it which I will fit a new belt before bolting it in. The whole lot cost me $600. 290,000kms out of a timing belt isn't bad, not something I would recommend but worked for me!

While this may be a sheer stroke of luck and good fortune it is also a case of stupidity. You were extremely lucky. I have seen belts at 100k which were about to go and only last week did a timing belt job where it was so loose I was able to remove the belt simply by sliding it off without having to release the tensioner

Just did an oil and filter change at 172K (halfway between the scheduled service - don't like keeping the same oil and filter for 15k).

At 180k I'm due for timing belt - based on other discussions here I should do the water pump as well. The 90k timing belt was quoted at $900 from the stealership here then but I went with my trusted mechanic who did it and fixed a few gasket leaks and the full service including coolant service as well for $800. Expect it will be over 1k this time - happy to get other things done for peace of mind.

I would recommend doing the pump at the mileage you have as the next timing belt will be way over the 200k mark

Dealerships generally don't do the full kit either, we do seals, pulleys etc etc as well as belt. Make sure that your mechanic is doing the same thing and not using cheap rubbish parts either.

How are the Dayco timing belt kits which come with idler, tensioner and 3 seals?
They seem fairly well price on eBay.

Also, when getting a water pump should I be looking at any particular brand, or avoid any particular brand?

I have stated so many times that anyone using an after market tensioner is a fool. I change so many of these back to genuine it is not funny.

Don't skimp on these parts, a few $$ saved now can cost many many more $$ later

Is there a timing belt "kit" that can be bought minus the tensioner so I can get that from Mitsubishi, or do I need to source each part individually?

Is there a timing belt "kit" that can be bought minus the tensioner so I can get that from Mitsubishi, or do I need to source each part individually?

Mits-fix will sell you all the kit you need. Check his website.

Other sources will sell you:
Belt only.
or
Belt + 2 idlers
or
Belt + 2 idlers + water pump + pump gaskets.
or
Belt + 2 idlers + water pump + pump gaskets + hydraulic tensioner.

If you are doing the 3 oil seals, they may need to be bought separately.

Prices vary greatly, so shop around.

I assume since doing the job, the oil seals should be changed as a precautionary measure?
I don't have any noise from the tensioner, and the timing belt is tight, but again I assume if I am doing the job, I may as well change everything over?

Opinions vary, from "do the whole lot at once so it's ok for the next 100,000 km" to "don't touch seals/tensioner if they look ok".

Your choice really.

Also depends if it is at 100,000 km or higher.
General consensus is: 100,000 km = belt only, 200,000 km = the whole lot.

If DIY study the manual for the steps and collect tools needed first.
If, by "I may as well change everything" you really mean you will get a mechanic to do it, be guided by him. Just make sure he has done this job on a Magna before.

It's the 200,000km service which is why I was thinking to change everything over. Though I am still some 4-6 months away from hitting the 200K mark.
And yes I was planning on doing some research as to which mechanic to take the car into since I don't want to tackle this job for myself.

I had a look at the Mitsfix site and could not find a kit with the tensioner. How much is this part from Mitsubishi?

Got quoted these prices from Mitsubishi Dandenong earlier this year:

Belt $137
Oil seals $46
Water pump kit $225
Tensioner $189
Crankshaft bolt $35

Wow that is costly when you consider a complete belt kit is $142.50

$189 for just the tensioner?
Is this normal pricing?

$189 for just the tensioner?
Is this normal pricing?

I did try to warn you: See Post #52 . . . .
"Prices vary greatly, so shop around."

$189 for just the tensioner?
Is this normal pricing?

I just walked in off the street and asked for prices.

Rep for genuine unit is $225 so $189 is a good price. We sell genuine ones for $185 as a guide

Madmagna, how much would you do a kit for including everything (ie, tensioner, water pump, seals, idlers, pulleys, belt etc)?

Madmagna, how much would you do a kit for including everything (ie, tensioner, water pump, seals, idlers, pulleys, belt etc)?

I'd be interested as well

This should answer your questions

Here (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubishi-Magna-Verada-6G74-Timing-Belt-Kit-OEM-Tensioner-/190731355573?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c687985b5)

and

here (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubishi-Magna-Verada-96-05-Water-Pump-TE-W-KE-W-/190638816048?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c62f57b30)

My TW had a 75K service today and the dealer suggested the timing belt be done, which I put off for now.

Does anyone know of a place in Adelaide they recommend for changing the timing belt for a reasonable price?

I have a TL sedan which I bought Dec 12, The service book said that the timing belt had been done at 121000!! Total BS!! Just ticked boxes and a date and a hand written company name
where all other servicing had a company stamp. Was getting a slight groaning sound just above idle at start up. Well what do you know. The timing belt hadn't been touched since new (had tension marks all the way around) and the idler pulley had rust dust
around it and the pulley tensioner was stuffed too. All up cost $770. Had it done at Original Engine bay in Saints rd Salisbury, great service and 24 hr turnaround. You know if the belt breaks you will discover what bent valves do to a motor.

All too common unfortunately. My TL didn't have forged records but it hadn't been at 136,000 km.

I have been quoted $420-$450 for labor only to swap the timing belt, seals, hydraulic tensioner, water pump etc.
How does this sound?
With parts it will end up being a near $900 job

Sounds reasonable.
Has the guy done this job before, and does he mind if you bring the parts in? Ask about warranty on the work too.

Hope you got the car cheap(ish) to compensate for this job.

This thread has had 10,600 views. Is that a record of sorts? lol

Yes the mechanic has done this job before and is well recommended.

I am happy with the purchase price and the car overall is in great condition.
There is no tensioner rattle or anything and I bought it with 176,000km so the timing belt isn't imminent. I can likely "get away" with just a timing kit and seals, but I thought do it once, do it right and have peace of mind.

Is there a timing belt "kit" that can be bought minus the tensioner so I can get that from Mitsubishi, or do I need to source each part individually?

there is a "Value Selection" timing kit avaliable for 130 from memory from your local mitsu dealer