My '03 has almost 120,000 miles in few weeks. I did the the timing belt & drive belts replacement, changed the sparks, timing belt tensioner. I have no major issue with my car since the camshaft position sensor replacement last year. Other than belts & tune-up, what others maintenance should I done this time?
I didn't change it last time. I will do that this time. I thought the timing belt tensioner was not necessary. I removed it last time at 64K miles and it looked quite good. Since I had everything removed, it was good to replace it anyway.
What about the fuel filter? Is it necessary to change it? I have no problem with the fuel line. I've heard that someone said don't bother it if it works.
I'll be a little clearer in my answer. Info from Kia mechanics and others. First timing belt change (if everything else is ok) you can change belt only. On second belt change you should replace all of it. I replaced TB,WP, hydraulic tensioner, all three of the idler puller bearings(AC,PS,and Center hub) drive belts. If you do it yourself you save labor so get more parts. I also did alot to the top end also so it was easier with the top of the engine off. Spark plugs, wires that sort of things.
So every other TB change do the works.
Fuel filter, if you feel comfortable doing it, do it.
This timing belt replacement interval is insane!
It's a major screw job by Kia and digs way too deep into my already empty pockets! I'm kinda regretting this Kia purchase, it's no wonder the Kia used car manager was willing to unload it fer what I thought cheap!
My sweetheart owns a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer (timing chain) it's got 115K and we've done very little to keep it running. What about that new law requiring no major repairs on vehicles for 100,000 miles? Is the timing belt not a major repair? It's $800-$1000 most anyplace. Can you tell by the sound of my voice I need mine replaced
I agree 100%. If I had known about the timing belt change intervals I never would have bought my Sorento. Yeah to basically replace everything-- timing belt. water pump, hydraulic tensioner, drive belts, and on and on and on is ridiculous. No wonder they are cheaper in price up front. You pay for it the rest of the time you own them! I know all vehicles require periodic manintenance but this Kia Sorento takes it to a new and undesirable level. The cost for this maintenace is ridiculous if you can't do all the work yourself. Can you tell---- NEVER AGAIN!
Kiaman03, does your 2003 have the 3.3 or the 3.5? The 3.3L V6 had a timing chain, which saves in those maintenance costs.
Our 3.5L is a clone of the older 3.5L Dodge/Mitsubishi engine, which is why it uses the old technology timing belt (and is also why this older design is under powered compared to other V6's in similar vehicles).
Unfortunately its the 3.5
20,000 more miles and all the things mentioned above will need to be replaced. I think I'll dump it before that. Let someone else pay for it.