My '03 wrx has done 100k so is due cambelt service. Also needs a new clutch which I will have to get done. Bit strapped for cash at the moment, but would I be foolish putting off cam belt replacement?

 

If it's due or overdue then yes

 

Thats just a recomendation from the manufacturer when to change it. i have an old escort diesel and it cost me nothing and i use it for chugging to work in. it was due a cambelt 20k ago. But on my scoob i would make sure it was done on time but it wont just break.

 

I had a 205 belt go 100 miles before due date bent valves etc. Then 2 months later my old astra diesel belt went as the previous owner hadn't changed idler pulleys and did the change on the cheap. Obviously after this I allways change mine in good time!

 

so its just a recomendation by the manufacturer , so dont you think that means it maybe a good idea

good job you dont own a alfa they dont even make it to manufacturers time !!!!!

it your car the end of the day depends if you have the money to fix the engine after the belt snaps

 

Depends how you drive it and how tuned the car is. Driven carfully you'll be fine.

 

The old transits were sods for breaking before the revision on the pulleys and tensioner,but all it usually bent was some push rods so not to bad.
Id get it changed mate if i was you as its alot more costly if it breaks,id rather spend a couple hundred on the t/belt kit and installation than 1k plus on the engine out and apart to replace bent valves

 

Has it EVER been done? thats more than 10k a year on a performance car, the belts are very long and drive 4 cams oil pump water pump also, I would get it done asap if it hasn't ever been done.

 

on a high performance engine theres no way ad let the belt go over its change date even on normal cars like a vectra a would only let it go over 1/2k there is a reson they need to be changed thats why i like my old faithfull beemr that takes me to work timing chain dont have to worry about and if it does start to go u get plenty of warning part of the reson if i want a cheap run around i try and get a merc or a beemer

have had a few timing belts go luckly low never bent any valves the mother and laws vectra got the timing belt done and the tesioners after going 10k over its service date then about 3 months later the water pump went stripped the belt bent all the valves

car got scrapped

 

Ah yes, just to clarify I have had the car from 12,000 miles and I had the cam belt done at around 50,000. I know it needs to be done pretty soon but I just wondered as I have heard various things going wrong with these engines but can't recall any cam belt fail disasters. Don't want to be the first mind you!