how much to replace timing belt on 94 3L v6?

If any one recently had the timing belt changed by a repair shop, how much did it cost?

I would estimate the going price at $300 - $400. Timing belt replacement on the 3.0L V6 is approximately 3.5 hours flat rate. In case you didn't know, the water pump on this engine is driven off the timing belt, so I would recommend water pump replacement at the same time to avoid going back in to replace the water pump in the future.

I learned all this when the water pump started leaking on my wife's old 1989 Grand Caravan. I had the dealer replace the leaking water pump and the timing belt while they had it apart.

I have a Dodge, Strat. 02
That just recently got distroyed because of an old timeing belt. Heres my problem.
3Weeks ago, I took it into a Dodge Machnic to have them look at it. I specifically asked them to Check the Timeing Belt. Did it need replacement?
They told me and my husband. No, it looks fine.

that was three weeks ago. Yesturday the timeing belt (surprise surpris) broke. When I went back in and told them I refused to pay 2,000 dollars in damages because they told me it was fine. They then told me there was no way for them to tell if a timeing belt was getting old because there was no fraying.

They never once told me that because of the milage on the car (105,507) that we Should replace the belt. Nor did they tell me that they could not tell if the belt was old or not.

So in other words..they told me they checked a belt and said was fine that they couldnt check and say if fine or not to begin with.

I feel they they are dicking me and my husband around hard core.
So ive come to you for some help!
Can ANYONE tell me if it is possible to check a timeing belt to see if it needs replacing? And if so, how is it done? and if not..then can we some how hold the dealership responcible for telling us it was fine when they really had no way of telling it was fine or not?

Thank you so much for you help!

Sure, you can inspect a timing belt (TB) for cracking and fraying , not see any, and say it is fine but, you can't stop there. The primary indicator for changing a TB is the mileage on the belt. TBs are changed at a mileage interval and this interval should be readily available to the mechanic. The mechanic should have determined the mileage on the car and told you the belt needed to be changed no matter how good it looked. However, this mileage interval should also be clearly stated in the manual that came with your car ie, you should have known the belt needed to be changed without an inspection. Bottom line, you both screwed up but, in my opinion because you payed the mechanic for the advice he gave you, he is clearly the party more at fault.

Generally, TBs aren't inspected unless they are suspected of creating a malfunction. Many times they will slip or jump teeth as they get older and stretch, throwing the timing out of spec. As I said previously, once the mileage on the belt passes the recommended change interval, usually 60,000 to 80,000 miles, it's time to change the belt regardless. No inspection is needed.

OBTW - Your post should be on the Stratus forum.

I have a Dodge, Strat. 02
That just recently got distroyed because of an old timeing belt. Heres my problem.
3Weeks ago, I took it into a Dodge Machnic to have them look at it. I specifically asked them to Check the Timeing Belt. Did it need replacement?
They told me and my husband. No, it looks fine.

that was three weeks ago. Yesturday the timeing belt (surprise surpris) broke. When I went back in and told them I refused to pay 2,000 dollars in damages because they told me it was fine. They then told me there was no way for them to tell if a timeing belt was getting old because there was no fraying.

They never once told me that because of the milage on the car (105,507) that we Should replace the belt. Nor did they tell me that they could not tell if the belt was old or not.

So in other words..they told me they checked a belt and said was fine that they couldnt check and say if fine or not to begin with.

I feel they they are dicking me and my husband around hard core.
So ive come to you for some help!
Can ANYONE tell me if it is possible to check a timeing belt to see if it needs replacing? And if so, how is it done? and if not..then can we some how hold the dealership responcible for telling us it was fine when they really had no way of telling it was fine or not?

Thank you so much for you help!


You really need to start a new post on your problem.
But as Rip said timing belt replacement is deternined by mileage not by looking at it.
No way to tell by just looking.
As to who was at fault.
It could have been one or both of you.
Had the belt ever been replaced before?
Was there any oil or coolant leaks in that area?
Communcations on repair and order is the key?
Did you just ask him to look at it or tell him to replace it if needed?
Them things should be noted on the repair order to make things clear.
MT

If you want to be safe it should be changed between 80000 and 90000 miles . I myself would never go over 100K . Personally I think all should come with timing chains that last the life of the car . Timing belts are generally a big expense at the 100K mark .

can i replace my timing belt with a timing chain?

OBTW - Your post should be on the Stratus forum.

Yeah I am sorry about that. I realized it a little be later and did repost. So if you wish to delete this post from this threat thats quite fine. Thank you for your help.

can i replace my timing belt with a timing chain?

The answer is no if you have a belt you are stuck with it.
But if your motor is blowed up you are also stuck.
Are you going to fix it or junk it?
MT

Thats all right. It's good info for any car owner. Can you replace a timing belt with a chain? Anything is possible. Is it practical? No.