When Should The Timing Belt Be Replaced On A Saab Diesel?

Very often within the Saab community you will hear the question: “Does anyone know when to change the timing belt on a Saab 9-3 Diesel?”

This question primarily refers to Saab models with a diesel engines, because most Saab cars with a gasoline engine have a chain instead of a timing belt. One of our loyal readers asked this question, but before that he asked various Saab forums and authorized service technicians. The dilemma became even greater when he received many different answers, from ranging from five to 15 years or 40,000 to 100,000 kilometers?!

Better to be safe than sorry

Unlike problems with clutch and brakes, it is very difficult to determine if something is wrong with the timing belt based on sound from it. Most timing belts need to be replaced after around 75,000 kilometers on the clock. This is a rough estimate as some timing belts may drop unexpectedly before that while others last 10 times longer. If you are unsure, always have a mechanic look at it and replace it if you find wear. The cost of a new timing belt with assembly will be much lower than the cost of repairing a damaged engine if the belt releases.

Important facts about the timing belt

The best way to check the condition of the timing belt is to look at it. By opening the bonnet and removing the cover that protects the belt, you should be able to make a visual assessment and see if a replacement is needed. An indication that the belt must be replaced is wear on the outside of it. An even clearer indication that the timing belt needs to be replaced is if you see thin stains or cracks in the synthetic rubber.

Timing belts do not gradually stop working over time. It is such an important part of the car’s engine that it does not matter if the belt releases completely or some of its teeth come loose, the result will be the same: the car will not work until the belt is replaced. It is enough for a pair of teeth to come off the cam belt so that it cannot grip the head on the cam and crankshaft properly.

To prevent your timing belt from coming off unexpectedly, it is best to have it replaced regularly. If you change the belt after every 75,000 km of driving (In the general case), that should be enough and you can avoid worrying. If you are going to take the car on a long journey, it is a good idea to let a mechanic look at the timing belt before you drive away.

When should the timing belt be replaced on a Saab (TiD or TTiD)?

And we come to a concrete answer to a specific question, that is, how this question is regulated in Saab diesel cars.

For both the Saab 9-3 TiD and TTiD, the longest interval for changing the camshaft belt is 10 years or 92,000 miles (150,000km), whichever comes first. The official interval is every 92,000 miles. We will take this data conditionally, and let it be your last limit when you need to change the timing belt, the recommendation is of course that it will be earlier or as soon as you notice the wear of the belt.

Here we will consult Saab’s knowledge base WIS, it says the following:

It should be remembered that this is a recommendation regarding the longest interval before a change is to take place, which means that the manufacturer does not guarantee that the belt will last this time period or mileage.

How much does it cost to change a timing belt?

Prices for timing belt replacement can vary depending on the car model and workshop, so it is difficult to say what it costs. But on the other hand, there can be lots of money to be saved.

You can get Timing Belt Kit – OEM, for example, in specialized Saab spare parts stores for around 90 or 100 euros, but these kits do not make a very important component, and that is the water pump. When replacing the timing belt, but also before that, and more often, be sure to replace the water pump, which can cause big problems.

Diesel engines installed in Saab cars are extremely reliable and durable, and they suffer everything, but they do not suffer from irregular maintenance and unregulated service.