Timing Belt

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Replace the belt if any of the following conditions exist:

Hardening of rubber backing.
Back side should be glossy without resilience and leave no indent when pressed with fingernail.

Fig 1: Inspecting Timing Belt Rubber Back Hardness
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Cracks on rubber back.
Cracks or peeling of canvas.
Cracks at bottom of ribs.
Cracks on belt sides.

Fig 2: Identifying Cracks Or Peeling Of Rubber Backing, Canvas Or Belt Sides
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Abnormal wear of belt sides. Normal wear is indicated if the sides are sharp as if cut by a knife. Abnormal wear is indicated if the sides are ragged.

Fig 3: Identifying Abnormal Wear Of Timing Belt Sides
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Abnormal wear on teeth.
Missing tooth.

Fig 4: Identifying Timing Belts Abnormal Teeth Wear And Missing Tooth
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.