Timing belt inspection
Discussion
That's not a timing belt!
It's an auxiliary belt - take it off (you can usually slacken off the tensioner with a 3/8 ratchet/breaker bar) or twist it round and have a good look - if there's cracks on the inside face, significantly worn, or not very flexible and slightly crispy - replace it!
The timing belt will be under a cover which should let you get a bit of a look at it, but don't try and remove the belt until you know exactly what needs to come off, what needs to stay in place, and how to lock the pulleys in position so it doesn't wreck the engine when you try to restart it...
Though if you're going to that much effort, if it's been on a long time or high mileage with no evidence of replacement, you're probably better off replacing it anyway.
It's an auxiliary belt - take it off (you can usually slacken off the tensioner with a 3/8 ratchet/breaker bar) or twist it round and have a good look - if there's cracks on the inside face, significantly worn, or not very flexible and slightly crispy - replace it!
The timing belt will be under a cover which should let you get a bit of a look at it, but don't try and remove the belt until you know exactly what needs to come off, what needs to stay in place, and how to lock the pulleys in position so it doesn't wreck the engine when you try to restart it...
Though if you're going to that much effort, if it's been on a long time or high mileage with no evidence of replacement, you're probably better off replacing it anyway.
ndtman said:
Not sure that is a timing belt. Looks like an auxillary drive belt and looks like it is starting to fray on the edge. Only way to really check is to take it off and look at the inside of the belt by which time you may as well replace it.
So you have to remove quiet alot to look at it. It's a Suzuki swift glsRiley26 said:
So you have to remove quiet alot to look at it. It's a Suzuki swift gls
You don't replace timing belts because they look ropey (OK...well you do), you replace timing belts based on age/mileage. It may look fine, but one of the tensioners might throw a wobbly and it would shred itself in seconds.A timing belt kit is probably under £50 plus a couple hours labour at a garage...if you are unsure, replace
I have two timing belts in my garage for a 1.9 Berlingo
One is new
One has done about 100k
I always show people the difference
The used one you can see small cracks but only when you actually bend the belt it and you cant see these when a belt is on the pulleys !
These cracks are the ones that cause a big snap !! but you just cant see them on the car
The OP has an extra pully on the crank for some reason !
One is new
One has done about 100k
I always show people the difference
The used one you can see small cracks but only when you actually bend the belt it and you cant see these when a belt is on the pulleys !
These cracks are the ones that cause a big snap !! but you just cant see them on the car
The OP has an extra pully on the crank for some reason !
Sheepshanks said:
Is it an interference engine - ie, if the belt snaps, does it cause any damage?
If it's non-interference then on a £500 quid car then it doesn't seem worth changing it.
whats the cost to you when it breaks one rainy winter night miles away from home and you cant get to work /holiday etc , worth it to me to have a car that can be trusted If it's non-interference then on a £500 quid car then it doesn't seem worth changing it.
steveo3002 said:
whats the cost to you when it breaks one rainy winter night miles away from home and you cant get to work /holiday etc , worth it to me to have a car that can be trusted
That's true, but the OP says it's done 10K miles in 8 years - so it doesn't sound like it goes very far.Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff