Thanks, they said it was the timing belt, but also replaced the alternator belt.
I have another problem and hope someone could advise me.
Whenever I turn, the car makes noise, like a tapping sound...
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta...
what could THAT be?
Thanks for any help ANYONE could offer! PLEASE!

 

that sounds like a cv joint on the axle. when the boot tears, the spinning motion throws the grease out and lets road grime in causing damage. you probably need to replace the axle on that side.

 

How long can I drive it like that? Is it safe to drive? And, about how much will it cost to fix? Thanks SO much for responding!

 

It will not cause you any danger to drive. Worse case the joint will break and you won't be able to drive it, but that is rare and shouldn't cause an accident. You should expect to pay no more than $150.00 total parts and labor.

 

gramps,
thanks for the info. i hate to drive it like that, but i have to. all i am worried about is that it will break down, and that usually happens far away from help. if it does break, what happens?

 

If it breaks, you don't move. The inside part of the axle will not be able to turn the front wheel on that side. Becuase there is no load then on that side, the transmission will not allow the other side to turn either. It would feel as if the transmission went out.

 

Can that happen while driving?

 

Yes it can, but I must STRESS to you that it is VERY rare. I have only seen that happen twice in my entire career. Don't stress about it much, I don't want to scare you. You will hear a horrible amount of noise comming from that front end long before a situation like that would happen.

 

Thanks, that is good to know because I just spent 400.00 on it for another problem and, won't be getting it fixed too soon.
Also, the noise is on BOTH sides when turning, I think maybe you thought it was just the one side, but anyway, thanks for your responses, appreciate it!

 

anytime.