2001 Boxster - Timing Belt

jarco01 · 08-26-2009, 08:57 AM

I'm interested in knowing when to change the Timing Belt in relation to the age and mileage of my 2001 Boxster.

I purchased my auto from NJ dealer (Nov 08) as a Certified Pre Owned model. I am the second owner and the car had 13K miles when purchased and was very clean and well cared for. I questioned the age of the tires and was told they were replaced and that everything was fine with th pre-owned inspection.

A year goes by, I put 3K on the car (nice weather only/short trips) and I return the car for service only to find out the dealer is recommending new tires. I then spoke with the sales manager about my earlier concerns and the tires were replaced (free).

I return the car in 6 mo for 15K service (mileage at 18K) and am told by service tech that I should replace timing belt.

When do I need to concern myself with this issue age vs mileage? When doing Timing Belt what other items do I need to concern myself with (i.e. water pump, other belts, etc). Estimated cost?

Thanks your your input...............

BT911 · 08-26-2009, 10:57 AM

boxsters don't have timing belts, they have timing chains. maybe you heard serpentine belt. that should be changed every 60k.

mikefocke · 08-26-2009, 11:26 AM

But after 8 years, it isn't a bad idea to replace the serpentine belt.

I did mine at 6 years and 42k miles and then I put the one I took off in behind the spare tire in case I ever needed it.

I had the 60k service done at that 42k just because of the age of the car and so I'd know where it stood with all the normal maintenance items.

The Porsche recommendations for when to do services have to be taken as "when things are normal" and a car used this little just isn't normal. Be sure you change the oil at least twice as often as recommended even now that you are using the car more.

jarco01 · 08-27-2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BT911

boxsters don't have timing belts, they have timing chains. maybe you heard serpentine belt. that should be changed every 60k.

thanks...........I'm sure the service manager mentioned timing 'chain'. What would be the replacement requirements here. Again, would this also impact serpetine belt, water pump, etc????

mikefocke · 08-28-2009, 08:11 AM

So they are very different in function and location. Belt drives accessories including the water pump which is usually good for around 60k miles. Chain connects crankshaft with valve train and spins things so that everything spins in the right relationship with the other parts.

It is unusual for timing chains to go bad at this mileage.