Timing Belt

[breadstick]

Hi

I have a seat Leon with 75k on the clock and it has never had a timing belt change, i decided to get this done as i intend to keep the car for another year or so

My other half is giving me grief over spending money on it but i was told that if a timing belt snaps on a car you may as well park it in the scrapyard, i know very little about cars so am wondering am i doing the right thing?

[Answerprancer]

I would think that for the expense, I wouldn't bother if you're only going to run the car for a year. Unless the timing belt job is cheaper than normal.

[SirOracle]

With that mileage you have done the right thing. I am surprised that you have got away with it in view of the mileage.

Please show her this post!!

[Zacs-Master]

It will be worth more with the work done, so tell your Mrs that you'll get the cost back when you sell.

[SirOracle]

A damn sight cheaper than a new engine AP.

[Gavmacp]

Get advice from a reputable garage as may or not need changing. But if needs changing it is a complete false economy to not have it changed as if it snaps you will have a hefty bill.

[Answerprancer]

..or get shot of the car now and get a new one, let someone else worry about the job.

[Zacs-Master]

Depending on the model of your car, it could actually have a chain, rather than a belt.

[Answerprancer]

My old Merc had a (duplex) chain, much better - they pretty much last forever afaik.

[Zacs-Master]

Yep, my BM has a 'lifetime' chain too.

[vulcan42]

Check your handbook, most will tell you the mileage when to change the belt, if of course there's one fitted. Mine was at 90,000 and it was done a few weeks ago.The problem ,it isn't changed ,is it will break, usually at a most inconvenient place/ time and will immediately destroy the engine. There will also be the additional cost of recovery as you come to full stop straight away. It is false economy to go past the recommended change.

[bhg481]

http://www.mytimingbelt.com/

[TWR]

As said, at times when the belt goes the Valves hit & can get embedded into the Pistons, some ge away with it depending on the speed they are doing but not many, the belt could go today, tomorrow, next year, do not take the chance, It's cheaper to get rid of the Wife lol lol ( Joking.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

4 years or 120k miles...whichever comes soonest.

[SirOracle]

What vehicle is that in BS.? Seems a lot of miles for a timing Belt.

[Hymie]

Auto trader has a 51 plate example Leon with a years' MOT for less than £650 – so if your car is of a similar age, I would say you would be better taking a gamble (leaving the belt alone) and putting the money towards your next vehicle.

Of course, should the belt snap - the engine will be toast.

[bhg481]

And where will you be when it snaps? Overtaking on the motorway; just pulling out in front of somebody;setting off on holiday. It's just just a financial decision, unless you count the cost of the funeral.

[PankySmooch]

I had a Toyato Hi Lux pick up truck which did 190,000 miles before I had the belt changed

It was an N reg, I paid £1200 for it had it for 8 years and sold it for £950, wish I'd have kept it now

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Sir O......From the link at 16:16

[vulcan42]

B S that depends entirely on engine fitted. The 2.0 TDI is 144,000, the 1.9 TDI is 80,000, quite a difference.