My 1998 Freelander 2lt dxei has a full service history and 97K on the clock. I am led to believe this model has the Honda deisel engine. Anyway, the cam belt was changed at 67k. Last week the replacement cam belt failed. Caught me by surprise I can tell you. Has anyone else experienced premature cam belt failure? I would have expected at least another 30k out of it. I spoke to my local garage about the problem even though I accept a cam belt has no guarantee and no defined finite working life. Change mileages are generally advisory. But it does bring up a few questions about how the cam belt was stored before it was issued for installation. All rubberised parts have a finite shelf life usually 3 years after the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is in the stencilled code on the cam belt. Is this ever checked? Another point is storage conditions. This can greatly reduce the working life of a cam belt. For example, the cam belt can be damaged if it is stored near to ozone generating sources, near to fuels or solvents or even if stored in direct sunlight or stored kinked. I wonder of garage personnel are aware of this, or even if they care.

How long is it since it was changed?
Was it a Genuine belt or aftermarket?
You normally change a belt on age as well as miles.
My Autodata CD only gives a mileage but is listed as 48,000 miles.

rhodiejeb said:

My wonder of garage personnel are aware of this, or even if they care.

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Shouldn't think they give a flying fook to be honest.

rhodiejeb said:

My 1998 Freelander

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Stopped reading

Most garages don't keep stocks of parts, they order them from local motor factors as and when they need them. The factors have a fairly rapid turnover so storage and age shouldn't be a problem. The only parts my local garage keeps are basic service items for the vehicles they specialise in.

As long as the WHOLE cambelt kit was fitted you have a warranty claim.

take it back as the contract for parts is between the factor/dealer and the garage who fitted it.

juiceyv8 said:

As long as the WHOLE cambelt kit was fitted you have a warranty claim.

take it back as the contract for parts is between the factor/dealer and the garage who fitted it.

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It might not be. Depends how long ago it was fitted and if you have proof.

ruffday said:

It might not be. Depends how long ago it was fitted and if you have proof.

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most are 12months warranty.....hope he has the reciept.

Of course, it might not have been the cambelt's fault - I trashed the head on a Fiesta when a cambelt let go at only 9.000 miles from replacement 'cos the water pump bearing failed.