Hi there,

I'm coming up on 60k and calling around for some estimates on a timing belt replacement for my 04 Outlander LS AWD.

Should I automatically replace the water pump as well, even if there's nothing apparently wrong with it once they get the belts off? Has anyone had it go bad on them?

Is there any reason to avoid a non-Mitsu shop for this job if I have them do the water pump?

Thanks for your advice.

I presume you are at 60000 miles and not Kms. I have 163000Kms on my Outlander and I had my belt changed at 105000Kms. The water pump was not changed at this point because the mechanic said he had never seen one go bad before the 200000km mark. But what you should make sure they have in stock before they start the job is an idler pulley assembly which you should change at the same time as the timing belt. They showed me mine and beleive me it was wore out. A little water pump leak can waite until your next belt change but if the idler goes your up the creek and so is your timing belt and maybe a few valves.
On your second timing belt change then you replace the water pump and idler again.

Thanks, Outy. I'm a U.S. American, so yeah, it's miles.

I'll hold off on the water pump for now then. Appreciate the tip on the idler pulley. I'll ask about it before I schedule an appointment.

Hold on now if the mechanic tells you the pump is leaking change it......!!!!!!!! don't take my word that it will be good.

Just curious - how many of us changed the T-belt at 60K per Mitsu's schedule? I got both the T-belt and water pump done at 80K because 60K was just way too soon in my cheap opinion. I had the work done at an independent shop, but they used Mitsu parts. The dealership hours just aren't convienent for me. I certainly applaud anyone who has/will do it at 60K though. BTW, my pulleys were fine and didn't need to be changed, but I've got the non MIVEC model. Mitsu made a host of technical changes on the 04 MIVEC powered Outlander. I've got a list of the differences between the 2.4L and MIVEC 2.4L; if anyone is interested, let me know and I'll post them or email them directly to you.

I had the timing belt changed before 100000kms just so powertrain warranty would be continued. I agree that this timing belt agenda is premature because I inspected the belts and they showed no obvious signs to be changed at this time. But the idler was a different story the bearing was definitely showing signs of fatigue. It was loose and greaseless. So was the serpentine idler that had started to scream every cold morning. Mine is the MIVEC and as 2 belts in the timing mechanisim one for timing and one for the balance shaft.

So I went ahead and got an estimate at an independent shop, and I have a couple follow up questions, one of which Outy may have already answered:

1. The estimate includes a balance shaft belt in addition to the timing belt. But based on Outy's last post, that sounds right since I have an 04 with the 2.4 MIVEC.

2. The part cost for the timing belt (MD336149) is quoted at $82.78, which seems high to me. Does that include additional components? Or is that just a really "high end" belt?

Thanks.

That seems about right. Wait until you price the serpentine belt.

I normally do NOT recommend the water pump on any mitsu as they usually last forever.
HOWEVER... the 2.4 with the single serpentine belt has been eating water pumps for a few years, so I would say do it.
And dont wait TOO long. 60k may be a bit conservative, but the cost of going to long is a lot more than 5-600 bucks when the engine shatters.

To be honest I didn't know the timing belt needed to be changed until the car hit 75000 miles. I heard it was something that had to be done but I thought it was on older foriegn cars not the new ones. I was wrong.... I chaged mine at 83000, at a local mechanic.

The Outlander is our family hauler, so I'm definitely playing it on the safe side. This thing has been rock-solid so far though and I hope to keep it that way.

the 4 cylinder belts in the outlander usually last about 80-90 k miles. so dont wait.