Timing belt change.......

[domharris]

Hi all, i inherited a Suzuki Waggon R+ recently and looking through the service history, the timing belt hasn't been changed since 2006. However since its last change the car has done less than 20,000 miles which is far less than a timing belt is capable of doing. So do i leave it? Or have it changed due to the time period of 5 years? What are your thoughts?

[domharris]

Thats what i thought Eddie but garages say age matters aswell. Are they just trying to make money?

[TWR]

Myself, I would change it Domharris as you say, 5yrs! Is it worth the cost of " mabey a head strip down if the belt goes?

[Toureman]

Sorry but your completely wrong Eddie.cambelts are renewed by mileage and time.

my car is due for renewal every 5 years or 70,000 miles which ever comes first, as I do not do a large mileage it must be changed every 5 years!

Could cost you a new engine or a massive repair build if you do not comply!

[chas2008]

yep, totaly wrong, belts DO age and perish, they can and will go with nasty consequences...Ive even known them let rip before mileage & time is up.
It really isnt worth the risk.

[chas2008]

Garages recomend changing timing belts as per the manufacturers or Autodata's recomendations...not just on a whim to make money !! lets be honest if it wasnt changed during a recomended service and it snapped who would get blamed ?
We still get the odd customer who refuses so we get them to sign a disclaimer.

[harley_Husky]

change the belt and the tensioner. easy job and will not cost the earth - possibly £150 depending on labour rates, but worthwhile doing.

best regards.
Eddie