I just bought my daughter a 1999 Protege with 65,000 miles. The service guy I took the car to tells me that Mazda recommends replacement of the timing chain at 60,000, which will cost a few hundred, and that if I don't do the replacement it could break and cause damage. Anyone know if this is good advice, and whether or not I really need to replace the timing chain?

 

First a 99 Protege is equipped with a timing belt and not a chain. Hopefully your mechanic knows this!! Do not recall the recommended replacement interval on 99 model year but is probably for 60,000. Later models have a replacment interval of 90 or 105K with the same part number of timing belt used. hmmmmm. Has more to do with advertised maintenance cost than anything. You will be fine to go to 90 with original timing belt as long as you do not have any oil or coolant leaking onto it. If it does break then engine will not be damaged as it is clearanced engine. You will just have to pull over and get towed to your repair shop for new belt to be installed. 60k is a good time to do your other maintenace if it was not done prior to your purchase. Spark plug replace and valve adjustment is needed at 60k as well as some minor inspections. If you live in a humid area, a brake hydraulic flush and transmission fluid change should also be considered.

 

babyhuey's been helping me diagnose my issue too. We have about 110K on our 2000 Protege and it seems like the belt is shot. Don't know for sure but will let you know once I get the car in my garage and rip her apart.

 

I have a '97 Protege and the reccomeded milage to change the belt is 60,000. I'm at 191,000 miles right now and have been throug two belts. I have never changed them exactly on time and I'm due for my third belt now.