Will the engine run smoother if I change the timing belt?

[exdeath]

So all you guys regularly replace timing belts on FWD cars? I like how everyone makes it out to be a piece of cake.

<-- has done it, but wouldn't recommend anyone & everyone go out and try it themselves.

I'd rather replace the belt on a FWD 10 times over than ever have to service anything related to the chain on my 4.6 DOHC.

 

[exdeath]

Any ideas on which motor that is with 5 valves per cylinder?

Looks like a VW / Audi 1.8.

 

[kornphlake]

Reasons to change your timing belt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGh-3fvK61I Yikes.

Do you take all of your advice about cars from youtube? This is the second video I've seen you link to on this forum. This video in particular, coming from a morning news program, is a bit sensationalized. I don't think neglecting to change the timing belt at 90k miles would cause the teeth to strip off the belt like that, that isn't a failure mode consistent with fatigue or aging. If the belt was "shredded" just like shown in the video something forcefully stopped the cams from turning and caused the timing gear on the crankshaft to chew through the belt. I'm guessing there was a bearing failure in the valve train that caused the problem, even if the belt had been replaced at 90k the problem would have surfaced at exactly the same time.

 

[thescreensavers]

Whats a timing belt? pfft ( I got a chain)

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Not going to do this myself. All I have is a $20 toolbox and I certainly don't have the time, will or expertise to do this.

 

[chin311]

$399 to be cheap on risking $1500+?

well she just bought the car and doesn't have the $$ lying around, im sure it'll be done by 65k, ive ran belts 30-40k past the "recommended" changing.