Timing Chain problems....I think

[barbiexgina]

Being a female my knowledge about cars isn't the best, so before I take my car to the machanic in a few days I wanted to get some honest opinions or advice.

I have a 2004 Mazda 3i and its at about 125,000 kms right now. About 2 days ago it started to make a noise. When i leave my car in the garage overnight and start it in the morning is sounds like the timing chain is making a noise. But once I drive for about 5-10 minutes it goes away. and again, after I leave it overnight, the noise comes back. A friend of mine said that i might need to get timing chain replaced or there could be a problem with a tensioner. But from what i have heard about Mazda 3, chances of the timing chain needing replacement is very very small. Could it be another problem?
If it's a timing chain problem, what is the average repair price that Im looking at here?

any advice or input would be appriciated

[Rippetoe]

A timing chain on your vehicle is a VERY low percentage problem. A rattle that goes away when your car is warmed up is also not a common problem. It could be a heat shield or a VVT actuator (for the timing chain)....hope for a shield problem as it is the cheapest fix. let us know.

[barbiexgina]

thanks for the input. i was hoping it wouldnt be the timing chain itself. maybe it's even the serpantine belt problem. i will let you know on wednesday

[Rippetoe]

I have seen serp belts and tensioners go however I don't think the noise goes away after the vehicle warms up. Good luck.

[Shawn]

I will guess Water Pump? Once it gets warm it gets better lub and expansion.
P.S. Please keep comments on topic. :-)

[FLIPDADY]

Haven't seen a timing chain go in these cars yet.

What's the service history like on your car? Regular oil changes done on time?

[barbiexgina]

yah i do regular oil changes, good oil, i dont abuse my car or anything like that, and its pretty much the first problem i've had with it since i got it over a year ago.

[Donutz]

Describe the sound; is it a hissing, or a shhhh shhhh shhhh shhhh'ing sound? Grinding, squealing, etc.

[barbiexgina]

Describe the sound; is it a hissing, or a shhhh shhhh shhhh shhhh'ing sound? Grinding, squealing, etc.

the noise sounds like a very soft rattle. it stays on for about 5 minutes of driving and then goes away until i put my car in the garage overnight. it is very very subtle, and doesnt get any worse.

[Rippetoe]

Do we have a verdict?

[barbiexgina]

just a follow up...went to the mechanic today. turns out i needed a new serpantine belt and an ac belt.
ewwahhh, only $160 out of my pocket

[Donutz]

Scamarama. Should cost you around $110 - $120.

[mazda lover]

just a follow up...went to the mechanic today. turns out i needed a new serpantine belt and an ac belt.
ewwahhh, only $160 out of my pocket

does that include labour?