Indications the Timing belt/Balancing belt have been changed

[VirtualJJ]

Are there any indicators/markings one can look for to see if and when the last time this was done? Either on this side of the ocean or the other?

(I've tried searching the forums, but, as you can imagine, the words "indication" "replaced" and "timing belt" turn up an awful lot)

[konadog]

The receipt from the mechanic you paid to do it for you is the best indicator.... :)

[mararmeisto]

On this side of the ocean, a reputable shop will put a sticker inside the engine bay indicated at what distance the belt was changed. I can't speak to the other side because I don't quite know how the Japanese would track that sort of thing. Remember, the timing belt replacement frequency is terribly important because when/if it should break your engine is FUBAR.

Another way to check if it's been changed, and not done properly, is the timing marks will not line up. This will/may also be noticeable by a rough ride, poor power, etc.

[marsgal42]

Consider the consequences of a broken belt. If you don't have a receipt in hand, the belts are automatically suspect.

Japanoid did Gumdrop's belts before she left Japan.

...laura

[EnviroImports.com]

check around your engine and in the battery area for a sticker with the date and milage on it, new belts come with the sticker , in japan when its done, the sticker is either placed on the fan shroud or where its easily visable when looking at the motor from above, and sometimes I've found them on the shaken paperwork or previous invoices that sometimes come with the van.

[Green1]

When I got my L300 there was a sticker on the timing belt cover indicating that it had been done 7000km before I bought the vehicle. (it had a date too, can't remember now, but I think it was about 2 years earlier)
Basically though, if the van has less than 100,000km on it, it is highly unlikely that it has ever been changed unless it was done at import.
And as always, if you don't have proof it was done, just do it.

[Tinytoy]

Big X2
Timing belt is much cheaper than new motor

[William]

When I got my L300 there was a sticker on the timing belt cover indicating that it had been done 7000km before I bought the vehicle. (it had a date too, can't remember now, but I think it was about 2 years earlier)
Basically though, if the van has less than 100,000km on it, it is highly unlikely that it has ever been changed unless it was done at import.
And as always, if you don't have proof it was done, just do it.

I have noticed the opposite with all the vehicles that have come through my hands. Most done at 80-90K and even lower mileage vehicles I have seen it done at 50-60K.

To the OP, just look at the belt itselt to see the condition. Even if one has claimed to be done for me, I always have a look at it anyhow just to be sure.

[William]

As well if it's in question 20,000 yen parts and labor in Japan for that job

[audi4life20v]

Isnt 20,000 Yen like 200 bucks...
Thats nothing, for Altrom parts at cost I paid 150-180 to do my timing belt and there isnt any labour included as I did it! The 180 was with 3 new v belts. I also did the waterpump/tensioner as It should ALWAYS be done with the timing belt.

But wow only 200 bucks eh. Pretty awesome. On a 2000-2009 Audi its anywhere from $1000-1500 easy for a timing belt, Water pump, serpintine belt replacement.

[William]

That stuff for me is very cheap in Japan. Nissan 300ZX timing belt in Japan $200.00 Cad / In Canada at the dealer $1600.00! That's a comparison I use for some customers when referencing service costs in Japan prior to export.

[Green1]

That stuff for me is very cheap in Japan. Nissan 300ZX timing belt in Japan $200.00 Cad / In Canada at the dealer $1600.00! That's a comparison I use for some customers when referencing service costs in Japan prior to export.

$1600 for a timing belt change is a rip off... it shouldn't cost anywhere near that. $200 is a pretty decent deal though.

A couple things to realize here, the cost of the parts is definitely cheaper in Japan, labour is a bit cheaper there too... but there's more to it than that.
If you ask to have your timing belt changed in Japan, you'll get a new timing belt... and probably nothing else. Whereas the good shops we have here (places like ccautos and cvi) will tend to do the timing belt, tensioner belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat and possibly more.

[William]

That stuff for me is very cheap in Japan. Nissan 300ZX timing belt in Japan $200.00 Cad / In Canada at the dealer $1600.00! That's a comparison I use for some customers when referencing service costs in Japan prior to export.

$1600 for a timing belt change is a rip off... it shouldn't cost anywhere near that. $200 is a pretty decent deal though.

A couple things to realize here, the cost of the parts is definitely cheaper in Japan, labour is a bit cheaper there too... but there's more to it than that.
If you ask to have your timing belt changed in Japan, you'll get a new timing belt... and probably nothing else. Whereas the good shops we have here (places like ccautos and cvi) will tend to do the timing belt, tensioner belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat and possibly more.

Agreed but if you ever worked on a VG30DETT you'll know why. Nissan dealers in Canada really do take it to people though.

Regards to the service in Japan, depends on where you go I guess. $500.00 on labor will go a real long way whereas here not very far at all. You also have to remember that that's domestic to them, just like working and getting parts on a Ford here. If you have a good resource in Canada then it's a win situation all around. Nice to see options on both sides of the pond now.

[Gerry.S]

For $200, the above poster is referring to the use of a cheap quality aftermarket belt that no reputable shop in Canada uses.

The belt in question is about $20 compared to the $140 for an OEM Mitsubishi belt.

[William]

For $200, the above poster is referring to the use of a cheap quality aftermarket belt that no reputable shop in Canada uses.

The belt in question is about $20 compared to the $140 for an OEM Mitsubishi belt.

I'll have to confirm, but I do think it's only OEM Dealer parts used when we do that job. That's not something anyone would want to cheap out on.