Timing belt change

[originalshadow]

As a new member i've enjoyed trawling through this forum reading various discussion threads, but one area which appears to cause great debate is changing belts/chains. I have a late 04 vector sport 1.9 td with 36k on the clock and would like advice out there on what is the ideal mileage/age for replacement?

[jlrdrony]

2007 cars:
-only for diesel engines
for a period interval of 8th years or 75000 miles / 120000 kms.

[cehoser2]

I have an '03 93 and was told it has a CHAIN that doesn't need to be replaced. Having a timing belt snap in a VW - I know of the problems that can result. Have inquired several times about the belt/chain and was informed it doesn't need to be replaced. I would be curious to find the TRUE answer myself.

[Interceptor]

Q: Why does the timing chain on a Saab 9-3 ('98-'02) 2.0-litre engine need to be replaced at 60,000 miles? Most timing chains last around 200,000 miles and are replaced as needed.
Phil Pett

A: You're right - timing chains shouldn't need changing at 60,000 miles. They generally last longer than timing belts.

However, some Saab 2.0-litre petrol engines gained a reputation for developing an oil starvation problem, which could lead to the timing chain failing prematurely.

That's why Saab says the chains need to be changed at 60,000 miles.

That's also why we mention this in our online used car review of the Saab 9-3 - we want to make buyers aware that this could be an issue, so that they can make sure it has been changed before they buy.

Now note from the previous years and not ours. It seems to be a mix but unless its making noisy complaints you should be good .

[cehoser2]

Thanks Interceptor- does a snapping of the timing chain result in the same damage as a belt or does it just lose power. Its not the belts that cost you, but the damage to the engine. The belts are expensive, but worth the replacement.

[Interceptor]

Oh you could mess some things up nasty if the chain fails (2 actually), but it won't be the end of your motor. On my porsche 944 I have the timing belt and if that goes the whole engine is gone. Its not like that so......I don't believe there have been any reports of sludging on our engines and the chain should last the life of the car. 60k is for our accessory belt in case that was heard instead.

[OlegShv]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

However, some Saab 2.0-litre petrol engines gained a reputation for developing an oil starvation problem, which could lead to the timing chain failing prematurely.

That's why Saab says the chains need to be changed at 60,000 miles.

Where does Saab say so?

[Hugh]

I don't know about prior years,but I can assure you that Saab does not say that timing chains in gas engines for 2006 and later years need to be changed in either 9-3 or 9-5 at 60 K or at any other mileage. The only belt that Saab says to change at 60 K is the drive belt...usually known as serpentine belt.

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by Hugh

I don't know about prior years,but I can assure you that Saab does not say that timing chains in gas engines for 2006 and later years need to be changed in either 9-3 or 9-5 at 60 K or at any other mileage. The only belt that Saab says to change at 60 K is the drive belt...usually known as serpentine belt.

Exactly, you should not worry unless you hear some problems from that area itself. It was for the prior years before our generation of 9-3s.

[JonV]

Agreeing with Interceptor about 60K being the Serpentine Belt, but disagreeing about the sludging... and chains have failed. It was first mentioned to me by my Service Mgr. and there is a TSB on it on the NHTSA site, I posted it in another thread earlier in the week. Saab has replaced a few motors, even OOW.

[Day of Vengeance]

Jon > TSB?

very interested in this as im at 186 KM

[JonV]

Make : SAAB Model : 9-3 Year : 2003
Manufacturer : SAAB CARS USA, INC.
Service Bulletin Number : 2102554 Date of Bulletin : OCT 01, 2006
NHTSA Item Number : 10020715
Component : ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary :
NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *KB

you can get the full bulletin from the NHTSA, AllData or maybe Saab Canada...

But understand, this is a US TSB, there not required to do anything if nothings wrong...like the gas cap CSC...if it aint broke they don't fix it.

[Day of Vengeance]

cheers fella