Cam Belt

[flipnflap]

I got my car new in 2007. Dealers say it's high time it had a new cam belt. But the car has been running fine. And I don't fancy forking oout £400-plus for a new cam belt. How necessary is a new cam belt nearly 5 years on?

[jomifl]

You may have to chock up the engine so that you can remove an engine mounting on some front wheel drive cars, or take out the radiator for easier access but that's all.

[wilkesneil]

lifting engine out gives easier access to the timing marks on the cogs, i have done this myself and the belt is done in no time just by lifting it enough to get daylight in there.
with the belt when i changed it in the past, i thought i'd lift it out as to know its fitted correctly rather than risk it

[solvitquick]

A pity flipnflap so many our answers are a bit contradictory. It all seems to depend on make of car, mileage and on the state of the running kit (approx 3 metal cogs and 2 polyethylene runners). I say: check with dealer if they include a check for scars on the metal cogs and wear on plastic runners plus replacement if necessary. If so it's "cheap" given labour+vat. Get dealer explain all +guarantee?. At least you now know how £dear failure is.

[MASS1961]

ref chas2008 "never take a chance on a cambelt, false economy"

I have a Ford Focus Estate and could/should have had the cam belt done about a year ago (70,000 miles). Would have cost approx £200. I put it off as the car was running well..........

On Saturday evening it snapped, no warning, on the motorway!

I had to be recovered, fortunately I have breakdown cover but the garage have quoted "at least £800" depending on the damage done.

Ouch!!!

I echo chas2008 ....Don't take a chance