Checking if cars had a Cambelt Change

1. Saxo-SX Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Ireland Posts: 2282

   #1 14th April 2010, 14:06

   Bought the car on 70,000 miles, previous owner didn't own the car long as it was bought as a run about, not much paperwork so dont really know its history.
   
   How can I check if the cars had a cambelt change? Theres no sticker with a date on unfortunately. Can I check for wear/firmness to get an idea of if its new or not?
   
   Dont have much money knocking about, so would be ideal not to change the belt if its not needed. I know the risks of not changing it, I purely want to know if I can find out if its been done already or not.
   
   Any help appreciated.
   
   Thanks
2. Kev_Vtec Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 norfolk Posts: 3116 my drifter M3 rep :D saxo vts eh glad its gone,

   #2 14th April 2010, 14:09

   its hard to no if it has or hasnt.
   people can say they have been done and mark on the cover a date and miles.
   
   when my crx vtec got changed it looked like new but the fact it wasnt, it done 45k, but to look at it, it looked good.
   
   best way imo is to get it done before its to late

   1 user thanked this post: Saxo-SX
3. grumpypants Regular Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan Posts: 429 Vauxhall Corsa 1.0

   #3 14th April 2010, 14:46

   Kev_Vtec has said it all really. I have seen belts that have done around 50k and you would swear it was new. The only sure way is to change the belt yourself or get someone to change it for you.
   You can however check the belt for it's present condition by removing the covers and checking the belt for oil contamination, which deteriorates and softens the belt, cracking in between the belts teeth, obvious rips and tears and belts the tension.

   1 user thanked this post: Saxo-SX
4. Saxo-SX Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Ireland Posts: 2282

   #4 14th April 2010, 15:05

   Thanks guys.
   
   Looks like I'll be paying to have the belt changed then
5. Railroader Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx

   #5 14th April 2010, 15:18

   If you take the top belt cover off and turn the engine over you might be able to see the manufacturers markings. It will tell you if its original Citroen, or if its an aftermarket one like Gates Powergrip.