how long should a cam belt last????

anewman

FannyHill wrote: »

Can they not invent one that lasts for 100,000 miles ?

Of course the garages want the business. :rolleyes:

They have done, it's called a timing chain. But as you say most mfr's go for belts with the most likely number one reason being income generated from them later.

waggys

kaya wrote: »

"if it aint broke then dont fix it"

Do you know how much it costs to repair the damage that a broken cam belt can cause? Mine snapped 10 miles after the service it was supposed to be changed at, car had to have new head and all new valves, costing over £1500 (that was 7 years ago - so likely to have increased). Luckily for me it was the original one and was still under warranty with Vauxhall who paid for the parts, whilst the dealer had to pay for the labour as they were meant to change it at the service but insisted I had got it wrong and it wasn't meant to be changed at that service - guess who was wrong? (A clue - it wasn't me).

My vauxhall is supposed to have a cam belt change every 36,000. I wouldn't think twice about not following the manufacturers recommended servicing for a cam belt - knowing what I know now.

goldspanners

anewman wrote: »

They have done, it's called a timing chain. But as you say most mfr's go for belts with the most likely number one reason being income generated from them later.

and dont forget the ford zetec engine,not sure about every size but i know the ford focus last 100,000 miles for first change.

ianian99

You can get cam belt insurance for around £20 a year

goldspanners

ianian99 wrote: »

You can get cam belt insurance for around £20 a year

provided its changed when the manufacturer suggests,but im sure it will be like all warrantys when you try to claim the wriggle out of it somehow.

anewman

ianian99 wrote: »

You can get cam belt insurance for around £20 a year

Presumably only if changed in line with MFR's recommendations, in which case the insurance is a waste of money pretty much. They only usually go as people have the ain't broke don't fix it approach or don't know what a cam belt is.

aden24

I had to have the timing belt replaced on my 02 Renault Scenic. It was six years old but the mileage was under 40,000.

The manual states that the timing belt should be replaced every 5 years or 75,000 miles, whichever occurs first. I think this is a pretty standard rule for most cars with timing belts.

I paid just over £300 at a main dealer, this price did include a new tensioner kit.

Next car I get will have a timing chain which last much longer!

zeon999

It all depends on the car some last 40,000 some last 80,000. Some cars its 3 years some cars its 6 years.

The other thing of course is if the engine has had any oil leaks on the belt then this will reduce the lifespan of the belt.

Without knowing the vehicle and also checking the condition of the belt it is imposiable to say.

ianian99

anewman wrote: »

Presumably only if changed in line with MFR's recommendations, in which case the insurance is a waste of money pretty much. They only usually go as people have the ain't broke don't fix it approach or don't know what a cam belt is.

Thats funny I started to think about that after I posted it. Only spotted it the other day, never looked at the terms.
Bet it pulls the customers in though.

Just looked at site and it says this

Do I need to keep my car serviced?
Yes. It is vitally important that the manufacturers’ service schedule is maintained on your car and cambelt changes are carried out as recommended.

tomstickland

Timing chains might be stronger, but they are a lot more expensive in terms of manufacture: they need guides, oil feeds etc whilst a timing belt is happy with a few pulleys and some rubber belt.