Cam Belt

[Matheous-2]

Can anyone tell me what actually happens to the car engine when the belt breaks- does it seize? So to help from the car grinding to sudden halt - do you have to dip the clutch to get some brake control?

Touch wood- it's never happened to me, but my current car is getting a bit long in the tooth so I'd like to know what to expect.....

[tonyav]

If I were you Matheous, I would check the car hand book. Some times it can be something like 50,000 miles or four years which ever comes first.

[jake-the-peg]

That is a very good point methy - there are some crazy designs about - one of the Vauxhalls in my past required the cam belt to be removed to replace the thermostat!

It's always worth replacing 'while you're there' items

[BRIGHT SPARK]

If the inboard water pump starts to seep water it will get into the tensioner bearing....seize it ....and then the pulley will burn into the belt within 5 miles...what a brilliant design....all to save a few kilo and a few quid for the manufacturers.