how long should a cam belt last????

bluesru5

ailuro2 wrote:

a broken cam belt WILL completely wreck your engine if you try to move with it broken, very much a false economy to not get it done in time.

Although I completely agree with what everyone here says about checking and replacing cam belts some of whats been siad is not completely true

I had a 1995 Fiat Punto 55SX and the cam belt snapped on this at 30mph, total cost of repair £7-95 for a new belt. I fitted the new one myself in 45 mins.

I was unbelievably lucky. Most breakages cost hundreds or thousands of pounds but there is a book available to the trade which qoutes 2 types of engine categories, interference and non-interference. This means that when the belt breaks the pistons/ valves will/will not collide with each other and cause damage.

Even if I knew my engine was a non-interference design I would still not chance the belt breaking, its not a guarantee no damage will occur, it just means it is unlikely.

Also sod's law means you can bet it will let go at the most inconvenient time. when

MerseyLad

Ive just taken my 51 plate Renault Clio in for a service today and they have ticked the sheet saying "Timing belt - urgent attention"....although it was so urgent that they didn't mentioned it to me personally.

Its done 51k....

What would you recommend? can I check it myself for wear and tear and if so, what should i look for?

How much would I be looking at to sort it [as Renault wanted £395 for the job]

Thanks.

rosscobley

MerseyLad wrote:

Ive just taken my 51 plate Renault Clio in for a service today and they have ticked the sheet saying "Timing belt - urgent attention"....although it was so urgent that they didn't mentioned it to me personally.

Its done 51k....

What would you recommend? can I check it myself for wear and tear and if so, what should i look for?

How much would I be looking at to sort it [as Renault wanted £395 for the job]

Thanks.

get it changed.

If anyone wants to know when the belt need changing i have a copy of auto data here i can have a look at for you

**** Please beaware that i can only tell you what autodata tells me. The infomation on here has come from the car companys so should be correct as it is what car garages use. I can also give you a step by step guide and some pixs of how to do it. Please dont hold me responable if something goes wrong ****

rosscobley

Just checked autodate for a renault 2001 clio 1.2 16v and it show

Renault recommend replacement every 72,000 miles or 5 years

Book hours to do the job are

check and adjust 1,10
Remove and install 2.10

MerseyLad

Thanks Ross....ill have a word with a mate if he can fit it in soon.

macgyver

This is a usrful site which gives you approximate times gto change the cam belt of most of teh vehicles

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2256&location_id=3487

U can download the PDF file from there and have a look for your car

jefflewis

I am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice.

I last had my car serviced and MOT'd in January. I looked in my car manual just this last week and realise my car needs a cam belt replacement at 80,000 miles. I have not yet changed my cam belt and I have done 84,000 miles.

I was just wondering if you think I can get away with doing another 4,000 miles until when the MOT is due next in january? I mean they say 80,000 miles, but they must give you plenty of margin right? If it suggests 80,000 miles then they must think it should last about 90,000?

I hate it when I have to take my car into garages, its such an inconvenience and I don't really trust garages. Is it easy to change it myself? I am pretty hopeless when it comes to cars.

Any comments would be much appreiciated.

Thanks

taffyapple

I would say go and get it done asap. Usually the manufacturer will state something like 80k miles or 5years - whichever comes first. Anyway you have gone over the recommended mileage and you could end up with a seriously damaged engine if the belt snaps which would lead to a very hefty bill compared to a minor bill now. Its not worth taking the risk! Hope this helps you a bit:wave:

jefflewis

Thanks, I know that is the right advice, its just a right inconvenience as I need my car each day as I use it for work, so it is a hassle during the week, so was just wishful thinking that I could get this done at the same time as my MOT and service in march.

I will try get it booked this week, but no doubt will have to wait a week to get it done. Unless Kwikfit can do it?

Thanks.

ihatepasswords

trets77 wrote:

i,m making my next car a cam belt free zone. i,ve got away with 2 slips luckly enough but a snap can be disaterous.

nissan micra : cheap to buy , econmical to run, japanese build and NO cam belt...... chains may rattle but they seldom break !!!!!!!!

Don't be so smug

My old Corse (not so old in fact, 36k, 2 years old) had a problem with it's timing chaing (not sure if it snapped or was loose) and it caused £700 worth of engine damage. This being the 1.0 model, Japanese engine made by suzuki. Luckily (?) it was only just out of warranty and I managed to persuade Vauxhall to contribute to the costs and so it only cost me £160.

I've now got a Ford Focus diesl with 110k on the clock and due to get a new cam belt (with tensioners etc) fitted and I've been quoted £190, is that about right?