Timing belt

[ruffd]

Hi all,
I am thinking about buying a 2002, 4DR, 4WD, 5SP Sportage with 53,000 miles on it.
According to info I have found in these forums, the timing belt should be replaced at 60,000.
What would the average Kia dealer charge for this service?
Thanks,
Dale

[LMP]

I've read everything between $200 and $500....but some may include additional parts as suggested in link below.
However, this is something not really demanding for the "do it yourself", several components to be removed and put back properly aligned, but no mystery at all.
CHeck out these instructions:
http://www.geocities.com/lmp4203/kia...timingbelt.txt
http://www.geocities.com/lmp4203/kia...timingbelt.pdf
http://www.geocities.com/lmp4203/kia...imingbelt_.jpg

[sbmunds]

If you can perform basic maintenance/repair work and have a decent selection of metric wrenches & sockets, I'd say do it yourself. I just replaced mine after a breakdown (thinking it was the cause). Dealer wanted $117 for the belt and $60 for the idler pulley and spring. NAPA wanted $37 for the belt--You do the math. If your dealer is anything like mine, definitely try to replace it yourself. And, since you have to loosen every accessory on the front of the engine, it's a great time to replace the 3 drive belts as well.

A related question ... When you roll the cams over and feel the valves close, the timing marks on the pulleys (I and E) aren't straight up, in line with the marks on the back-plate. They actually end up pointing slightly inward at the top. Is this the correct location, wherever the cam comes to rest, or should you wrench the cam over to get the marks really straight up when you put on the belt? It's a difference of 2~3 teeth. I installed mine as the latter, straight up with the bumps in the back-plate, just like the service manual says, but my mechanic, who now has the car says it's "way off." Why the mechanic has the car now is another long story.