1999 Other Saturn Models TIMING CHAIN

1999 SATURN
158,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DANIEL R MCCRORY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
IS THERE A MILAGE I SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT CHANGING THE TIMING CHAIN/BELT? I KNOW SOME MANUFACTURS LIKE HONDA AND MAZDA FEEL IT SHOULD BE AROUND 150000 MILES.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
Dec 25, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JUSTIN FREED
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
There is a distinct difference btwn a timing chain and a timing belt. The reason Honda/Toyota etc. insist on a timing "belt" change (and usually it is way before 150k miles; more like 65 - 90k) is because it is a belt much like a fan belt and as such, is susceptible to breaking - which could potentially ruin your engine (especially earlier models).

A timing chain is a "chain" and is much stronger than a belt. There is no maintenance interval for replacing your chain. Instead, chains can possibly "stretch" over time to the point where they are out of the service limit and then they need to be replaced. In general, you probably don't need to worry about your timing chain unless there is an issue pointing to the chain. Hope this helps.
Dec 27, 2007 at 6:10 PM