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I have a 95 Saab 9000 V6. Since a bad experience 4 years ago at the local Saab dealer service department, I have had all reqular maintenance repairs done at an independent shop that specializes in Saab/Volvo. Recently at 73K miles I had a timing belt failure that has caused some engine damage (yet to be determined). At 65K (1 year ago), I had the timing belt replaced (free from Saab) at the dealer. They replaced the belt and noted that water pump was leaking coolant and could cause damage to the timing belt in the future. A week later took to my independent shop for 65K major service and had them look at water pump. They find no evidence of water pump leaking. I also check coolant level regularly and never had to add in the last year. Local service tech also reported that timing belt did not appear new. I called Saab dealer service and they "guaranteed" it had been changed and would be responsible for any damage caused by its failure. Now that the timing belt has failed they claim it is not a part failure, as the belt itself did not break, but that the fault lies with my declining to repair the coolant leaking from the water pump. They claim excessive oil and coolant leaking onto the timing belt caused it to jump off and skip timing. My question and I am finally getting to the point is... Does this sound like a plausible explanation to you? I never added coolant in the last year and I asked for the belt in question and there are no signs of oil or coolant on it. There is some on the teeth that the belt winds around. I think it is an equally reasonable explanation is that the belt was not installed correctly and it just took 7K miles for it finally get loose enough to slip off. Any insight or inexperience you can provide would be most helpful!!
posted by 198.91....
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