Cambelt Times

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:53 pm

As I do very little miles on my BX's I wont ever reach the mileage needed to change the belt but I dont want them to degrade, so whats the ideal time period inbetween changes please, I do about 1000-1500 miles per year per car.

Thanks

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:06 pm

Would a visual check every 6 months not suffice?

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:42 pm

Vanny wrote:Would a visual check every 6 months not suffice?

True but I dont know what to look for.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:00 pm

As was recently highlighted with my XM, although the belt was entirely within its replacement interval as far as mileage was concerned, it had been in there 8 years so it was obvious to me that I needed to replace it.

However if I hadn't known the age of the belt a visual inspection would not (as far as my relatively inexperienced eye) show any issues. The belt looked absolutely fine. It was clean with no obvious cracks - even when removed it looked OK at first examination but it was very stiff, and close examination showed cracks on the inside. The belt was in fact surprisingly hard and brittle! Age for you, I guess.

So it probably suffices to say, if in doubt, replace. A change of belt, auxiliary (serpentine) belt, oil and filter cost me £170 cash for the BX, so it was as far as I'm concerned money well spent. And for that money I was glad to have my trusted local specialist to do it!

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:04 pm

All the cambelts have been changed on my cars (that have them), but as Ive had a few of them a few years now I wanted to be sure. The Xantia was done 3 years ago but has done 1000 miles since.

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:07 pm

Shouldnt they be replaced approx every 4yrs?

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:10 pm

I'd be thinking between 4-5 years. After all, they're only rubber bands

It's 5 years since I put one on the XM and it won't be turning another wheel until it's had another.

From experiance visuals are of little use, it's the back of the belt that usually cracks and can only be seen when you bend the belt over double.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:15 pm

OK thanks guys, I will use 4 years a yardstick.

Dollywobbler · Post by **Dollywobbler** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:42 pm

My BX has had the same belt for getting on for six years now, but has only done about 30,000 miles. It'll be getting done at the next service.