Going to be checking the vtr cambelt today....

9th July 2010, 12:04

The car is 9 years old and as far as I know hasn't had a cambelt change it has 36k on the mileage.

What things should I look out for on the belt, what can I check?

Thanks.

9th July 2010, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertlittler123

The car is 9 years old and as far as I know hasn't had a cambelt change it has 36k on the mileage.

What things should I look out for on the belt, what can I check?

Thanks.

If you have bought a second-hand car and don't know the history of the cam belt, we would advise you to get it changed at your earliest convenience. You can then be certain of how long the belt should last.

Most cam belts should be changed after 40-60,000 miles. Manufacturers of some models advise 100,000 miles for those cars. But the length of time you have had the cam belt should also be taken into consideration, as rubber deteriorates with age. If you only journey a few thousand miles each year, it is best to change your cam belt every five years to avoid it perishing.

The engines of newer cars come with a cam belt kit, to avoid failures on bearings. The entire kit, which means the idler pulleys and adjuster pulleys as well as the belt itself, must be changed at the intervals advised by the manufacturer.

If you are hearing a high-pitched squeal upon starting your engine, this is most likely due to a problem with the fan belt, rather than the cam belt. This can normally be solved by a small adjustment, or by replacing the fan belt altogether. These problems can also occur with alternator belts and power steering belts, and are more likely to be with these belts than the actual cam belt.

(Quoted off a site to help you there. Pretty much what I would say too.)

9th July 2010, 12:08

Also, just to add, don't just change the cambelt. Change the water pump as well as it runs off it.

9th July 2010, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by 23carragold

If you have bought a second-hand car and don't know the history of the cam belt, we would advise you to get it changed at your earliest convenience. You can then be certain of how long the belt should last.

Most cam belts should be changed after 40-60,000 miles. Manufacturers of some models advise 100,000 miles for those cars. But the length of time you have had the cam belt should also be taken into consideration, as rubber deteriorates with age. If you only journey a few thousand miles each year, it is best to change your cam belt every five years to avoid it perishing.

The engines of newer cars come with a cam belt kit, to avoid failures on bearings. The entire kit, which means the idler pulleys and adjuster pulleys as well as the belt itself, must be changed at the intervals advised by the manufacturer.

If you are hearing a high-pitched squeal upon starting your engine, this is most likely due to a problem with the fan belt, rather than the cam belt. This can normally be solved by a small adjustment, or by replacing the fan belt altogether. These problems can also occur with alternator belts and power steering belts, and are more likely to be with these belts than the actual cam belt.

(Quoted off a site to help you there. Pretty much what I would say too.)

Thanks

I'll give it a quick look to make sure it will get to a garage when I've sorted out my insurance.

Saying that my dad drove it back 60 miles mostly motorways and fast roads, but did take him down the lanes. And everything was a ok.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 23carragold

Also, just to add, don't just change the cambelt. Change the water pump as well as it runs off it.

Will do