Timing belt replacement

[rhys.l]

The service manual for my car recommends changing the timing belt every 100 000kms, or 5 years. My car will be up to the 5 year interval very soon, but in this time has only travelled 30-40 000kms. Looking back in the car's history, its first belt wasn't done until it was around 7 years old, I'm guessing due to the low kilometres.

I'm interested on people's thoughts on how important the time factor is? Do I need to get it done dead on 5 years even with so few kilometres?

Previous car ran a chain so I've never had to worry about this before. Happy to get it done, just want to make sure it's necessary first as I don't know how much longer I will have the car.

Thanks.

[bennjamin]

well.....think about the tyres on your car. Like a timing belt , they are rubber with metal banding thru for reinforcement.....they only last so long regardless of ks. They "go off".

So do timing belts. Its overkill - but id still do the timing belt as per manual.

[stndrd]

I have seen cars with 30,000km on them but are 7 or 8 years old (owned by little old ladies) where the timing belt has snapped because they chose not to replace it.

As Ben has mentioned, best bet is to do it, as you run a high risk of causing more damage if the belt snaps ie. Bending valves

[rhys.l]

Thanks guys, appreciate the advice.

[cbauto]

you would be able to make an educated guess if you knew the history of the motor. I know of a motor 10 years and 100k. still works but it could snap anytime.

[trism]

Id do the waterpump while youre at it, and probably do all the seals as well.

[chez00]

Hey Rhys, clear your inbox mate I can't reply to your PM

[cbauto]

Id do the waterpump while youre at it, and probably do all the seals as well.

Which seals.

[Adrian @ SAS]

Front main seal & cam seals as comes in the dayco kit with tensioner & water pump

[cbauto]

Main seal is crank seal?

[rhys.l]

Sorry, looks like I have two threads going haha. CB, as far as I can tell front main seal = crank seal = oil pump seal. Adrian or someone will hopefully confirm?

[Adrian @ SAS]

front main seal = crank seal = oil pump seal.

Bingo! :)

[cbauto]

Got everything except the main seal.