Cam belt inspection

[max24]

Hi,

How do I carry out a check on my cam belt before driving it for a 200miles+ w/end break.
it was last changed 2004 at 66k when I bought it a week ago and it's on 109k at the moment.

Also, is ther any other major checks similar to cam belt I should look out for.

I'm hoping to put off changing it till early next year.

Any detailed step by step guide will be very appreciated.

Many thanks

[sharkrider]

just check the levels (fluids), and tyre pressures, and you should be fine.. it's close to another change though... 120k or 2008 (4 year gap)..

if you really want to check it, just have a look to see what sort of condition the rubber's in... if it looks old and you can see cracks, then worry! lol...

later models had an 80k change though, I did 80k on the original belt with no probs...

[gathy]

Its hard to check the belt whilst its on the car as you can only see a small part of it at a time and buy rights you need it off to make a good examination of the teeth to see if there showing signs of wear or starting to crack etc which can best be done by bending the belt.

my old volvo s60 d5 was still on its first cambelt at 110000 but i changed it straightaway but i once had a vectra and it snapped its belt at 26k
same in my vrs(105k) changed it as soon as i got it then i knew the score with it,the dealers who serviced it all its life were very unhelpful when it came to releasing information quote" i remember that car weve never put a belt on it" only to find when i did the belt it had newish tensioners and water pump and belt

id get it done a.s.a.p its not dear,but leave it and youll kick yourself into next week if it snaps and kills your valves etc.better safe than sorry as most on here will agree

[ScoobyChris]

Originally Posted by gathy

Its hard to check the belt whilst its on the car as you can only see a small part of it at a time and buy rights you need it off to make a good examination of the teeth to see if there showing signs of wear or starting to crack etc which can best be done by bending the belt.

I agree - and if you've gone to all that trouble and got to the belt, you might as well change it while you're there!

Chris

[max24]

Thanks for the advice. BTW, how much will this set me back?

[Lummox]

Depends on where you go, expect £250-£400.

[max24]

Can anyone recommend me a reputable and reasonably priced garage in London (SE). Thanks