Timing belt kit

[rbrown86]

Hey guys,
Has anyone come across an unbelievable deal for a timing belt and the tensioner and idler? So far I've checked at the local parts houses and I'm not too impressed with their prices. Any suggestions?

 

[mitdr774]

What kind of a deal are you looking to get? The prices I have come up with seem reasonable to me. Never skimp on something that important because you got a good deal on it.

 

[rbrown86]

I know I shouldn't be cheap. The cheapest full kit I've found at O'Reilly's is three hundred bucks. Autozone doesn't appear to carry a kit, just the belt and it runs around eighty bucks. I was just wondering if someone has come across a set that is from a reputable dealer and is cheaper than what I've found so far. I guess I'm a bit sticker shocked from the last time I've messed with a timing belt engine (2.0 in a talon).

 

[Hdmanny]

I searched online and found some good prices but my mechanic checked also for me and he found he could order them from the dealer for almost the same price. You can replace the belt only but it is best to get the kit with the idler and pulley. If there is any problem with one of the parts they are local and he will not have to wait. He also recommended that I replace the water pump since it is behind the parts he would be taking off to replace, he said it was cheap insurance.

 

[rbrown86]

Hdmanny, I'll check at the dealership tomorrow maybe and get some prices. I was planning on doing the water pump, thermostat housing, and the serpentine belt as well as all of the timing components as I have a mystery leak that has yet to show back up again... Thanks for the input guys!

 

[jgrote]

In the Subaru world, the Gates kit is considered the best option short of OEM. I'm not sure if Gates makes one for the Sonic yet...

Edit:
They do
TCKWP338 Kit with water pump
TCK338 Kit without water pump

I've heard mixed reviews about Gates WP's, but it can't be worse than the OEM pump. If it were me, I'd use it. Amazon has it pretty cheap

 

[Hdmanny]

Hdmanny, I'll check at the dealership tomorrow maybe and get some prices. I was planning on doing the water pump, thermostat housing, and the serpentine belt as well as all of the timing components as I have a mystery leak that has yet to show back up again... Thanks for the input guys!

When you get the thermostat housing,check it before you buy it. They still have the older plastic one that they are trying to get rid of, the newer one is made of aluminum. My car is on the third one but this one OS the newer updated aluminum one.
I think Gates makes the OEM belts for our cars, they may also make the water pump.

 

[mitdr774]

Look it up on Rock Auto.

The aluminum housing both pre and post dates the plastic one in the Sonic.

 

[Hdmanny]

Look it up on Rock Auto.

The aluminum housing both pre and post dates the plastic one in the Sonic.

What car was it in? The Sonic original one was plastic in the specs I saw. I also read that the thermostat on the Sonic is control by the ECM and not opened and closed by the water temp directly.

 

[Poohman]

Rock auto gates kit for my aveo( basically same engine) was only $148 shipped with the water pump. No problems. I wouldn't put anything but gates on. My water pump was leaking bad, but after 90k the stock gates belt still looked new. Never Duralast on anything with so much movement.

 

[$ub$onic]

Rock auto gates kit for my aveo( basically same engine) was only $148 shipped with the water pump. No problems. I wouldn't put anything but gates on. My water pump was leaking bad, but after 90k the stock gates belt still looked new. Never Duralast on anything with so much movement.

I have also been told Goodyear makes a good belt too.

 

[mitdr774]

If you search hard enough you will find that as with most things, there are only a handful of companies that actually make the belts. I would not be shocked if the Gates and Goodyear belt are made on the same line. A lot of OEM belts seem to be Gates belts as well.

 

[Poohman]

Good point on dual production

 

[Hdmanny]

I wonder if they would make an affordable kit that replaces the timing belt with a chain?

 

[mitdr774]

There wont be anything affordable about that. It would require new gears, chain, tensioner, guides, oiling system, and a completely redesigned front cover to now deal with oil being in that area. If someone managed to put on on the market for even $1000 I would be really shocked.

 

[rbrown86]

Just ordered my timing belt kit. $120 plus shipping isn't bad from RockAuto. I also ordered the thermostat housing from them. Not sure if I'll get the metal one or not because there wasn't a picture. I did call and asked them if they knew which one it was, but they didn't. The lady that answered was super nice though, so +1 for RockAuto.

 

[keekahm]

How did it go? I need to replace mine asap.

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