It's about time for me to change the timing belt in my 1997 Eclipse 2.4, non-turbo.

How hard of a job is this? Doesn't look like there is much room on the drivers side portion of the motor. Should I remove some body parts to get to the area? Just don't know what I'm in for..

Also, do I just need the timing belt? or should I get a timing belt kit (don't know what else is included in the kit or how much more money I'm looking at with the kit).. Where is an inexpensive place to buy these parts?

 

id change the water pump also, and since your in there might consider changing all of the belts, at least check em to make sure they arent wearing to badly, you can usually go to local autoparts store and order the parts, or good ol' ebay.........

 

I think it's personally a pain in the *** to change. I've done one before and it took me all day. Yeah I just had mine done for my 98 eclipse spyder 2.4 liter. I just took it in to the dealer and had them replace it as well as the water pump since it's down there. Ran me about $800 but at least it's under warranty for a year. The belt is cheap, it's just the labor you are paying for. Good luck on that.

 

Timing belts, No!!!!!!!!!
I had to replace 2 timing belts, a serpentine belt and a water pump all within a couple months. I have a 92 LeBaron(Mitsubishi V6), and I replaced all that. It's not an easy job....well, I had someone do it for me, but it took them all day.

 

I have a neighbor that will do most of it (I have to help) and is going to charge me $100 labor. He's a mechanic, so I will be in good shape. It just looks like a royal pain in the *** to get to that side of the engine.

 

No way! I have a neighbor who is a mechanic and he changed my timing belt the first time for $100! Small world huh? Of course my dad asked if we should change the water pump while the belts are being changed and the neighbor said, nah, it's be fine. 1 month later, the water pump went out and took the new timing belt with it. Had to replace the belt and water pump for like $220 plus parts from yet another neighbor who is a mechanic. Bummer.

 

expensive lesson, huh......yea, always change the water pump when you change the timing belt, i learned that one the hard way on my stang..............

 

Mesa -- How much did you pay for the water pump? (part only)

 

I don't remember exactly how much the water pump was.
Somewhere between $35 and $55. Not too expensive, but it varies
from car to car. Shouldn't be to bad. When you change your timing belt,
change your serpentine belt and the water pump too. If you don't you
might be sorry like I was when my water pump went out a month after
I had my belts changed.