HOW DO I CHANGE MY TIMING BELT ON MY 2003 SANTA FE

This is a common issue and the fix is on this site already. When this link:

Questions Answers for Hyundai Santa Fe timing marks diagram

"POP" LIKE A BACKFIRE???.....TIMING BELT IS 1 OR MORE TEETH OFF

Yes it has an interference motor

RUBBER BELT....change at 60k.....5years,unless you want a LARGE bill...

Hi:
All of the engines in Hyundai santa fe are interference engines, so you should regularly change your timing belt. The timing belt also drives the water pump, so it is always a good idea to change that too, if you have the engine apart for the timing belt. Here is a link to check out!

http://www.theautopartsshop.com/auto+car-usa+parts/hyundai+santa-fe+engine-timing-belt.html

If your belts are squealing it is the drive belt/belts that need attention not the timing belt. You need to check your belt tension and condition and replace as needed. If a timing belt ever got to the point that it might squeal the car would not run because it would be too far out of time. Your belts will all be external whereas at timing belt is internal and a major part of the engine.

Timing belt or serpetine belt...Either way, I'd buy a Chilton's Manual at Auto Zone or NAPA ($25) it should describe everything in detail.
Good Luck

That depends on if the front motor mount is blocking half of the timing belt . Then you have to have the motor lifted out to change the timing belt . Now that just added at least another 2 hours to the labour hours. In all honesty, now you are looking at a 4 to 6 hours of total work . Now , do you know if it is a timing belt or a timing chain. Timing belt, yes will take about 4 to 6 hours , but a timing chain will take over 8 hours because it is inside the motor.

hi the sensor is in with the timing belt. You will have to remove the timing belt cover and belt to put a new one in. You will also see a small gold metal rotor that spins on this sensor also replace that or it will trash the new sensor.

You can drive it till it breaks of course, that will cost much more then replacing it as maintenance though. I would plan to have it changed much sooner then later as you are already past your recomended service time.