How to check timing belt wear

the_wolf · Jan 16, 2013

Ive did a search and cant find anything at all. I wondered if there was an easy way to check the timing belt on a 200tdi or is it the usual taking the whole lot off approach? Ive no idea when it was last done so dont really want to risk it going at an inopportune moment plus i reckon it could probably do with having the timing done anyway.

DEFENDER90-DAZ · Jan 16, 2013

If in doubt - change it

JonnyP · Jan 16, 2013

Yep, change it if you do not know the history. You need to get the cover off to inspect it unfortunately.

JNEC · Jan 16, 2013

Agree with the other two, timing belt kits are cheap enough... much cheaper than replacing parts of an engine

Soloby Rob · Jan 16, 2013

DEFENDER90-DAZ said:
If in doubt - change it

JonnyP said:
Yep, change it if you do not know the history. You need to get the cover off to inspect it unfortunately.

Aye! and once you've got that far it's just a few minutes more work to change it, no point checking it, just replace it.

JonnyP · Jan 16, 2013

It should be an easy mod to cut a hole in the timing cover to inspect the belt, n make a cover to go over the hole. You would probably have to get the cover off to do that though.

Soloby Rob · Jan 16, 2013

JonnyP said:
It should be an easy mod to cut a hole in the timing cover to inspect the belt, n make a cover to go over the hole. You would probably have to get the cover off to do that though.

But if you do that, what are you going to be looking for, if in doubt, whip it out.

JonnyP · Jan 16, 2013

Soloby Rob said:
But if you do that, what are you going to be looking for, if in doubt, whip it out.

A worn belt.. It would of been useful if Land Rover had put a peep hole in for us. I replaced my timing belt cos I didn't know the history, but the belt was fine.

mick the builder · Jan 16, 2013

I've seen stripped belts and snapped ones that looked ok apartr from where it failed. You cannot tell by wear, when a belt will snap, not like a rattly timing chain.

discomania · Jan 17, 2013

JonnyP said:
It should be an easy mod to cut a hole in the timing cover to inspect the belt, n make a cover to go over the hole. You would probably have to get the cover off to do that though.

Haha - I think he was only kidding. Right?

A timing belt as with most belts are glass reinforced, the glass fibre is what gives it its strength. Over time and use the glass will start to break down and it's tensile strength will be reduced. The rubber can look top notch but the glass can be within an ace of letting go...

If you don't know, you change it, certainly don't go cutting ferking access holes!

the_wolf · Jan 17, 2013

Its a pain that theres not an easy way to check it without taking everything off but as youve said better to change it while im there. Cheers for the replies

Jongould · Jan 17, 2013

There is no way to confidently be sure on a belts condition from a visual check, a 1 year old belt can look identical to a 10 year old belt, as has been said if in doubt change it, its not worth the failure....

thought it was mine! · Jan 17, 2013

JonnyP · Jan 17, 2013

You learn sommit new everyday.. I thought they went all frayed n old looking..

thought it was mine! · Jan 17, 2013

not always belt can look good after years then just snap

Jongould · Jan 17, 2013

yep its impossible to say, sometimes they fray, sometimes you get a lot of rubber fluff in the timing cover but most the time they just snap, thats if the belts the cause of failure, more often than not its the bearings in the idlers/tensioners now days...

How to check timing belt wear

the_wolf

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thought it was mine!

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thought it was mine!

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