Belt

[Danza V]

Hey all got a new car and before I start I may just get it replaced but anyway my car had a cambelt ( 2.0 Vw in 2005 @ 90k but now has only done 126k I've read that they need to be done every 4 years or 80k just thinking whether the years really make a different, I mean I know they stretch but do all of you go by years??

[H_D]

Milage or age whichever comes 1st.

I personlly would not exceed the timescale or the milage the manufacturer has recomended especially if you have an interferacnce engine meaning the pistons will hit the valves if the belt was to snap.

Edited March 14, 2013 by H_D

[StuDoc 72]

If it was my own car. Id do it by mileage not years.

I've dont many an engine rebuild on cars with snapped belts but they always snapped due to mileage rather than age.

Best thing to do???

Take off your timing belt cover have a look at the belt and see what kind of condition its in its very easy to tell if 1 needs replaced.

[Danza V]

Yeah I think mileage is better really cause I've seen a guy who had his belt replaced at like 80k then didn't use the car for 4 years then had belt replaced again I was like :/

[StuDoc 72]

Yes mate. Obviously time can erode them aswell as they are just a rubber compound. Like I said though simply pull the cover off and have a good check for tightness and check it for cracks.

[Flaminsam]

I would play better to be safe than sorry. If the belt snapped you could be looking at a lot of money to put right.

[Danza V]

Do you all do it by mileage or year on the v?

[StuDoc 72]

There is no set time where IT MUST be done. You could require a timing belt 6 months and 10k miles after just having it replaced it takes into account lots and lots of different factors mate.

Its a case of getting a new 1 when its needed its like any servicable item on a car replace it when it needs replaced.

[Danza V]

Checked the belt this morning, there's no cracks or anything like that on inner face of belt, big off a mark on outer face but that's it..

[StuDoc 72]

If it looks in generally good condition then im sure it will be fine.

Although you might be better getting someone with a bit more experience to check it also.

[Danza V]

Cheers for replys guys, very helpful as always.. I'm sure it should be fine, there's no shiney bits in between teeth or teeth missing.

[StuDoc 72]

The biggest indicator is looking at the side of the belt facing upward so the flat side.

Look for dullness in the belt where it may have dried out check if the branding and markings are still on it as these normally come off after a while.

Also small cracks, thats the 3 things that normally indicate the condition of a belt.

[Danza V]

I can still see quite clearly the writing on the belt and see no cracks whatsoever so I may have saved myself a bit of money.

How can a belt degrade even of its behind a plastic cover even if it hang done the miles in which it would be due?

Cheers

[StuDoc 72]

Because time erodes most things buddy and heat speeds up any reaction so in there it has both.

Its like food or anything common sense rules over daft sell by dates. No one can say this will fail after exactly such and such a time its open to judgement.

Edited March 15, 2013 by StuDoc 72

[Danza V]

True, Very true.

I think i may just leave it til the mileage says its due, if it looks good and no signs of wear then il leave it.