Cam belt gone - do I have a case?

lil_me

Wig that is a fair point, but when I contacted Trading Standards regarding one of the disasters we ended up with after a cam belt snapped they were not interested in getting involved. This was a customer who trusted a dealer with his car to service and just booked it when he knew it was due. They said because he didn't ask for the cam belt to be changed, then they couldn't get involved.

As always however it is worth enquiring with all of the details, just incase, because as mentioned many details are often left out when someone makes a post on a forum. Possibly ask the dealer why they believed you had a case aswell.

Bob63

I had a cam belt go on a Peugot diesel engine (while under warranty luckily) just 600 miles before it was due for replacement. When I picked up the car after its repair from the dealer I booked its next (major) service there and then. A week later when I went back in to have the service done the person behind the counter said "You do know that you need your cambelt changing at this service don't you?". My reply is unprintable on a forum like this.

Before I gave up driving and started riding every car I owned was flagged to me by the franchised dealer when the cam belt needed changing. That's what you expect a franchised dealer to do because they know the cars inside out. The same may not be true of an independent garage - although the one I use for my wife's Subaru recently told me the cam belt was due at the next service.

Hintza

Cam belts are the weakest area of the car. Manufacturers to keep fleet accountabts happy set the replacement mileage far too high in most instances. Some manufacturers have started addressing the issue by reducing that interval.

We had a VW Golf 1.6 go at 33,000 miles fortunately still under warranty.

I doubt you have a claim if you are 5,500 miles short of the due change.

I think I would be tempted to have a go at the manufacturer, hope you have had it serviced properly as they will no doubt try to wriggle out on this point.

Wig

Your service booklet will tell you when cam belt should have been changed in terms of years. Hintza just made a point that makes me think,, if the car has been serviced year on year according to the service interval, then at one point
either
the cam belt was not done when it should have been (you might have a claim against *that* garage)
or
It was changed as per service requirements and it was either not changed properly or has failed prematurely, which again could give you a claim possibility.

Don't give up yet, only you know the full story and have the service history/book in front of you. And different areas have trading standards with differing views on things.

iolanthe07

You were lucky to get away with £1200 tbh; cam belt failure can end up costing a good deal more than that.

cyclonebri1

As everyone has said, since the car has not even reached the recommended change point, you have no chance. If you you had/have a claim it would be with the manf, but assuming its out of warranty, again no chance,

tomstickland

The car had 54K and cam belt was due to 60K so I don't see why the garage should be held responsible.

jeannieblue

tomstickland wrote: »

The car had 54K and cam belt was due to 60K so I don't see why the garage should be held responsible.

Over due on years. But its the OP's responsibility. Most garages would recommend cam belt due and it is up to owner to book it in and get it done. I would say, without knowing what the vehicle is, that the cam belt probably was due a year ago. Its an 02 reg, so it is now six years old, possibly cam belt due at 5 years. It should've been in the OP's service book.

Kez100

tomstickland wrote: »

The car had 54K and cam belt was due to 60K so I don't see why the garage should be held responsible.

It's not the mileage here that is the important factor being discussed - it's the number of years old the car is. The rules won't say 'At 60k' they will say 'At 60k or x years if sooner'. It is quite possible the car was over the number of years recommended.

banger9365

i change the cam belt on my cars every 35k to 40k or every 3 years max,where they need it or not,and i do not care what any book says it getts done,it's just a peace of mind i have had one go and yes they do do a lot off damage to your pocket never mind the engine( the head was in two part and cam was in three part nether mind the other damage~)
cars cost lotts of pennys and they cost lott to keep them running and even more when they brake