Yet another timing belt question

So, I recently bought a 2001 Sportge with 101,000 miles on it. The lot that sold it does not know when the timing belt was replaced. My question(s) are
Should I just go ahead and replace the belt just to be safe?
Since I don't have the time or patience for doing it myself, shoud I take it to a dealership to do the work or is it ok to take to a major repair chain i.e Pep Boys? I have read in other forums that the timing belt replacement in a Sportage isn't as cut and dried as with other vehicles. If the belt brakes before I get it in for replacement, is it a non-interference engine?? Thanks in advance!

So, I recently bought a 2001 Sportge with 101,000 miles on it. The lot that sold it does not know when the timing belt was replaced. My question(s) are
Should I just go ahead and replace the belt just to be safe?
Since I don't have the time or patience for doing it myself, shoud I take it to a dealership to do the work or is it ok to take to a major repair chain i.e Pep Boys? I have read in other forums that the timing belt replacement in a Sportage isn't as cut and dried as with other vehicles. If the belt brakes before I get it in for replacement, is it a non-interference engine?? Thanks in advance!


Its a non interference engine.

I would tell you to take it to the dealer if you can find one that you trust. (I am biased I am a dealer tech)

I would not take it to Pep boys or Firestone, more than likely they are going to try and sell you a bunch of stuff you dont need.

Go with who you feel you can trust, word of mouth is the best way to find a good technician.

Thanks for the reply. I think I will let the dealer replace the timing belt. Just curious, What price range am I looking at for a timing belt replacement?

Thanks for the reply. I think I will let the dealer replace the timing belt. Just curious, What price range am I looking at for a timing belt replacement?


The Tbelt is generally 110 bucks and about 3 to 4 hours labor depending on the shop.

Was quoted a price of $425.00 by the dealer. Just seems a little steep to replace a timing belt. :)

Yeah it is high. but I will tell ya I spent all weekend changing my timming belt because I thought that was my problem. but I found out it was not. So honestly after I have removed this belt and adjusted it 3 seprate times last weekend. I found that changing my self took me about 2.5 hours. but thats having pretty much every tool ready. I used a 10M for the fan and the timming belt covers a 12m for the alternator and a few brakets. a 14m for the waterinlet and the tensor and 3 other big long blots that hold the fan housing. 17M's on the cams. you will also need a 22m for turning the crank or a 3/4 SAE will fit too. but use the Metric's its safer. You don't have to take the radator out. but if you feel you need a little more room. you can take it out with 2 small 10m nuts holding it in on the side. but once you see how to get it in and out. You will be able to do it alot faster. I think sometimes waiting on the water getting drained out took longer. But with a 100k+ miles I wonder change your water pump if your going to do it. the deal will want about 150-180 for a new one. the aftermaket ones. You can get for less but you need to make sure it is for the DOHC model. the shucks and Autozone ones are SOHC. I called Napa they wanted 113.00 for one. and this Auto Plus parts down the street was 103.00 so you save maybe like 60 bucks aftermarket. Its really up to you.As for the belt Shucks is less than 30.00 and the tensor at KIA is 70.00. but shucks and napa was under 40.00. I went aftermarket on all my parts. I found a B&B that got my water pump for 80.00 so I spent alittle over 160.00 for alot my parts. Oh an you will want to get a spring and waterinlet gasket from KIA. the auto stores didn't have them or know where to look. but over all if you didn nothing you could drive it till it breaks. The engine has a really safe desing where I doubt you could damage it from a break.

Stay away from aftermarket water pumps. Go genuine Kia part.

Many parts sources have the SOHC pump listed for the DOHC engine. It WILL fit however the timing gear is SLIGHTLY different. And it will work, for about a week or two, and then destroy the timing belt. I know of at least two individuals who have had this happen to them.

Stay away from aftermarket water pumps. Go genuine Kia part.

Many parts sources have the SOHC pump listed for the DOHC engine. It WILL fit however the timing gear is SLIGHTLY different. And it will work, for about a week or two, and then destroy the timing belt. I know of at least two individuals who have had this happen to them.

How can you tell the two apart? I bought aftermarket and the gear looks exactly like the original but the pump rotor is cast iron instead of steel.