Hyundai ix35 Timing Belts
Whether your ix35 is an early or late build, we match the timing belts to your derivative rather than to the badge
What Are Hyundai ix35 Timing Belts?
A timing belt in your Hyundai is a critical rubber belt reinforced with fibre cords that synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring your engine's valves open and close at precisely the right times during combustion. In South African Hyundai models, timing belts are key components in popular engines like the 1.6 T-GDi (Gamma turbocharged petrol), 1.2 Kappa and CRDi diesel engines (including U-line CRDi variants). Unlike timing chains, belts require regular replacement and their failure can cause catastrophic engine damage, particularly in interference engines common in Hyundais.
Given conditions on South African roads—including extreme heat in provinces like Limpopo and Gauteng, dusty roads and stop-start urban traffic in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town—timing belts face additional stress and may require replacement within manufacturer intervals. Most Hyundai timing belts need replacement every 80,000 to 120,000 km or 5-7 years, whichever comes first. The belt typically drives the water pump as well, so it's recommended to replace both simultaneously along with tensioners and idler pulleys to avoid premature failure and costly repeat labour charges.
Signs You Need New Timing Belts
What a parts desk needs to know about your ix35
What changes across the range
On the ix35, LM are all in circulation locally, and they do not share one parts list.
Because the ix35 and the LM Tucson are one vehicle under two names, parts listed for either will usually interchange — worth knowing when one listing is dry and the other is not.
Worth knowing: the ix35mechanically the same vehicle as the LM-generation Tucson, and a close relative of the Kia Sportage SL.
What we check on timing belts
- •The generation code, because ix35 parts lists split on it
- •The engine family — this ix35 was sold with Theta II 2.0 and R-line 2.0 CRDi
- •The engine code off the block or VIN plate, and whether the car is petrol or CRDi diesel
- •Whether the car is pre- or post-facelift within its generation
In South Africa the ix35 is mostly sold in big numbers as a mid-size family SUV and now firmly in the second- and third-owner phase, where turbo, injector and body-panel demand peaks. That is the wear pattern we stock and source against.
Before You Order ix35 Timing Belts
Will timing belts from another ix35 fit mine?
Not automatically. The ix35 sold in South Africa as LM, and because the ix35 and the LM Tucson are one vehicle under two names, parts listed for either will usually interchange — worth knowing when one listing is dry and the other is not. Send us the generation code off your VIN plate and we will confirm it either way before anything is dispatched.
How do you check timing belts actually fits a ix35?
We work backwards from the VIN: generation first, then engine family, then whether the car is pre- or post-facelift within that generation. On the ix35 specifically, because the ix35 and the LM Tucson are one vehicle under two names, parts listed for either will usually interchange — worth knowing when one listing is dry and the other is not.
How much does a Hyundai timing belt replacement cost in South Africa?
A timing belt replacement for popular Hyundai models like the i20, Tucson, or Accent typically costs between R3,500 and R8,500 in South Africa, depending on the model and engine type. This usually includes the belt, tensioners, idler pulleys and labour, with diesel CRDi engines and turbocharged T-GDi models generally at the higher end. Always replace the water pump at the same time, which adds R1,400-R2,800 but saves on future labour costs.
When should I replace the timing belt on my Hyundai?
Most Hyundai models require timing belt replacement every 100,000 to 120,000 km or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. However, check your specific model's service book as intervals vary—for example, some 1.6 T-GDi engines recommend 160,000 km while certain CRDi engines specify 100,000 km. South African conditions with extreme heat and dust may warrant earlier replacement, so have it inspected at every major service.
What happens if my Hyundai timing belt breaks while driving?
If a timing belt breaks on most Hyundai engines (which are interference designs), the pistons will collide with open valves, causing severe internal engine damage including bent valves, damaged pistons and potentially cracked cylinder heads. Repair costs can easily exceed R25,000 to R60,000 depending on the extent of damage, often approaching the value of older vehicles. This is why preventative replacement at recommended intervals is critical.
Does my Hyundai have a timing belt or timing chain?
Most modern Hyundai petrol engines (1.2 Kappa, 1.6 T-GDi/Gamma) and diesel engines (CRDi, U-line CRDi) sold in South Africa use timing belts rather than chains. Notable exceptions include some older 2.0-litre petrol engines and certain high-performance models. Check your owner's manual or consult a Hyundai dealer to confirm, as timing chains don't require regular replacement but belts absolutely do.
Can I replace just the timing belt without the water pump and tensioners?
While technically possible, it's strongly not recommended to replace only the timing belt on a Hyundai. Since the water pump is typically driven by the timing belt and shares the same labour-intensive removal process, replacing it simultaneously adds minimal labour cost (R850-R1,400 for the pump itself). Tensioners and idler pulleys also wear at similar rates and their failure shortly after belt replacement means paying for the same expensive labour twice.
Learn More About Hyundai ix35 Timing Belts
Browse the rest of our ix35 engine parts
Let us confirm the timing belts before you buy
Photos of the old part and your VIN are usually all we need. We confirm the timing belts against your ix35 before quoting, not after.