Is it possible to check the condition of a timing belt?

Bean_Flicker

Hi,

My sister has just recently purchased a second hand car(private), The previous owner said the timing belt was chaged last year at 98,000 miles and this is also marked with tipex just under the bonnet, but there is no receipt to prove this.

The car has 117,000 miles on it now,

I'm worried the belt might have never been changed in the car

Is it possible for a mechanic to check the condition a timing belt?

Car is an A4 diesel.

Many thanks

DublinDilbert

Did she get to see the invoice for it being changed?

I'd change it over if it was me. You could look at it, but hard to tell if its done 20k or 60k, IMO.

belcampprisoner

U can take off the engine cover (3 screws) and undo the 2 clamps on the plastic upper timing belt cover and gently pull it back and take a peek in there with a bright light source.

peter barrins

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dgt

Look at the belt for signs of deterioration, cracking, fraying teeth. Listen to the tensioner for dry bearings.

Look at the belt while the engine is running, should be smooth and flat. Not like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URytUCQUC2I

Bean_Flicker

DublinDilbert wrote: »

Did she get to see the invoice for it being changed?

I'd change it over if it was me. You could look at it, but hard to tell if its done 20k or 60k, IMO.

No invoice I'm afraid, which makes me think it was never changed.

belcampprisoner wrote: »

U can take off the engine cover (3 screws) and undo the 2 clamps on the plastic upper timing belt cover and gently pull it back and take a peek in there with a bright light source.

Thanks, I'll take it to the garage and get it check out.

Would they have a rough idea how many miles the belt would have done?

peter barrins

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Bean_Flicker

peter barrins wrote: »

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Yes I think the belt has to be changed has to be changed every 60,000 miles on them,

Which would mean the car is due for a new one, but if it was changed at 98k it would leave that it wouldn't require a new one till about 158,000 miles or so,

Just why I was asking if the condition of the belt could be checked.

peter barrins

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Bean_Flicker

Bean_Flicker wrote: »

............. The previous owner said the timing belt was chaged last year at 98,000 miles .............

The car has 117,000 miles on it now,

...................

Is it possible for a mechanic to check the condition a timing belt?

............

Well if it's in shreds it'll be apparent on inspection but a visual inspection won't reveal much in many cases as belts with 100k miles / 10 years + on them often look like a fresh belt.

You'll hear otherwise but that'll be bullsh1t, nothing less.

irish bloke

Bean_Flicker wrote: »

Hi,

My sister has just recently purchased a second hand car(private), The previous owner said the timing belt was chaged last year at 98,000 miles and this is also marked with tipex just under the bonnet, but there is no receipt to prove this.

The car has 117,000 miles on it now,

I'm worried the belt might have never been changed in the car

Is it possible for a mechanic to check the condition a timing belt?

Car is an A4 diesel.

Many thanks

Short answer is no.
As roverjames said old belts can look like new. Unless its obviously damaged you will have no idea.

My guess is it was changed as per the tipex under bonnet, as even main dealers mark belt changes in this manner.
If it was me though I would get it done, just for peace of mind

mathepac

IIRC the belts on these cars (1.9 TDI ?) are due at 5 years or 60k miles, whichever comes first. The kits (t-belt, auxiliary belt, tensioner, water-pump, etc) are 350/400.

I can't understand with the number of good cars with service histories for sale why anyone would pay good money for one with no history

peter barrins

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JohnBoy26

mathepac wrote: »

IIRC the belts on these cars (1.9 TDI ?) are due at 5 years or 60k miles, whichever comes first. The kits (t-belt, auxiliary belt, tensioner, water-pump, etc) are 350/400.

I can't understand with the number of good cars with service histories for sale why anyone would pay good money for one with no history

Cars for sale with a service history are few and far between in this country.

Also aux belts and the water pump are not included in the timing belt kit for these cars and must be purchased seperatly.