New Cam Belt

Newfie

Newfie

Joined
Jul 5, 2016
Posts
568
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Location
Essex
Funster No
43,930
MH
Burstner IXEO I728G
Exp
Ex tugger
Do we really need to change the cam belt after 5 years on a Ducato
Here is the old belt I requested back after fitting a new one 6 years almost 8000 miles
No sign of splitting or ware that I can see
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They say every 4-5 years. I had mine done when I bought it at the end of 2019.

Belt went in Belgium a few months ago so just a tad past the 5 year mark.

£4500 to repair never mind the repatriation costs.

I'll always get it done on time from now on.
 
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monzer said:
They say every 4-5 years. I had mine done when I bought it at the end of 2019.

Belt went in Belgium a few months ago so just a tad past the 5 year mark.

£4500 to repair never mind the repatriation costs.

I'll always get it done on time from now on.
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Wow, that's costly.
Our Ducato is booked in this month with 38k mileage and just under 5 years old.
Will be interested to see the condition of the old belt.
 
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"Are you feeling lucky punk?’ Love it 😀 😀 😀

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So is it the time factor or milage, I originally asked last year(5 years) if it needed replacing the guy at the Fiat Professional garage said because of the low milage give it another year
Suggested replacement at 5 years or 100000 miles whichever is sooner
He also said that replacing the water pump is not required
 
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Newfie said:
So is it the time factor or milage, I originally asked last year(5 years) if it needed replacing the guy at the Fiat Professional garage said because of the low milage give it another year
Suggested replacement at 5 years or 100000 miles whichever is sooner
He also said that replacing the water pump is not required
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Both.
Mileage obviously puts the belt through more wear and tear, but leaving the belt in one position, for weeks or more at a time when the vehicle is not being used, is also bad for it as rubber components can become less flexible if not regularly used.
The consequences of a belt failure are generally pretty dire and expensive: the pistons will probably collide with the valves, which never ends well.
 
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KNWH said:
Both.
Mileage obviously puts the belt through more wear and tear, but leaving the belt in one position, for weeks or more at a time when the vehicle is not being used, is also bad for it as rubber components can become less flexible if not regulally used.....
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I'd guess that 5 years with less than 8,000 miles covered might indicate it's spent a lot of time without use.
I'd be as concerned about the condition of the tyre walls with the weight all on the one spot.

Unless of course its covered many short journeys over that time.
 
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Bill-H said:
I'd guess that 5 years with less than 8,000 miles covered might indicate it's spent a lot of time without use.
I'd be as concerned about the condition of the tyre walls with the weight all on the one spot.

Unless of course its covered many short journeys over that time.
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Depends on the type of tyre to some extent.
CP rated tyres are designed with more robust side walls so they can withstand being left stationary for long periods, but many here don’t like them because they run at higher pressures and give a harsher ride.
Fitting covers over the wheels to keep the sun off can at least reduce the ageing effect of the light.
I had CP tyres and still replaced them at 6 years despite them looking perfect with plenty of tread.
 
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Ours has been done twice, at around 18k and 28k, both times with all the other bits (water pump/pulleys etc). None of them showed any signs of wear either time. But, I’ll be having it changed again the next I reach the time recommendation.
It’s cheaper than a new engine.
 
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Tyres were replaced after 5 years as there were signs of tyre walls starting to crack.
The Motorhome is fairly well used for dog agility shows so it could be 15 miles to local show but there for 4/5 days most weekends during the summer..
 
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I’ve got exactly the same dilemma. Fiat Ducato based Dethleffs, 5 years old in September, 18,000 miles. Our local Fiat Professional garage said we could wait another year or two as the mileage is relatively low. I’m pleased they didn’t hard sell the need to change the belt but ultimately I’ll be the one picking up the bill if it breaks. They quoted £860 for cam belt replacement and the 2 year service. Does that sound reasonable or should I shop around?

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Where to next? said:
I’ve got exactly the same dilemma. Fiat Ducato based Dethleffs, 5 years old in September, 18,000 miles. Our local Fiat Professional garage said we could wait another year or two as the mileage is relatively low. I’m pleased they didn’t hard sell the need to change the belt but ultimately I’ll be the one picking up the bill if it breaks. They quoted £860 for cam belt replacement and the 2 year service. Does that sound reasonable or should I shop around?
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I think that’s a good price for a Fiat Professional dealership as I assume they’ll be using the full genuine Fiat kit. I paid £1040 at our FP dealer about six years ago for the genuine kit, service and MOT on our A class.
 
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We are at five years and 22,000 miles. It’s booked to be done in two weeks. Why risk it. Also getting the water pump done while they are there. Cheaper than a huge bill in a few years time.
 
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Had ours done last month at 5 years old, like the OPs our belt was in perfect condition but still worth changing in my opinion.

How would it work with your breakdown if you didn’t change it and it snaps at 6 years old, I’m sure it states your vehicle must be maintained. It would be an easy get out for them.

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Where to next? said:
I’ve got exactly the same dilemma. Fiat Ducato based Dethleffs, 5 years old in September, 18,000 miles. Our local Fiat Professional garage said we could wait another year or two as the mileage is relatively low. I’m pleased they didn’t hard sell the need to change the belt but ultimately I’ll be the one picking up the bill if it breaks. They quoted £860 for cam belt replacement and the 2 year service. Does that sound reasonable or should I shop around?
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That seems a very good price, which garage ?
 
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PP Bear said:
This Skoda drove in for a belt change, yep was still running, but possibly not for much longer and just in time servicing me finks. Costly to not have it done.
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I was expecting to change the cambelt on my Seat Arona next year at 5 years old. However the dealer said ther gas been a change from VAG & the belt is only replaced on mileage and should only be inspected during service. Mileage they said it needs changing at is 150K.
 
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Howard B said:
I was expecting to change the cambelt on my Seat Arona next year at 5 years old. However the dealer said ther gas been a change from VAG & the belt is only replaced on mileage and should only be inspected during service. Mileage they said it needs changing at is 150K.
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Think it’s like playing russian roulette. Driving style, climate, age, mileage all play a part in this and just depends on how lucky you feel.

My cars 20 years old, but 124,000 miles. It’s soon to have its 5th belt, but following the example of 150k miles, then the car could be 30 years old before it’s changed.

Do you also actually trust anyone who says they’ve inspected your belt during a service. Only way to check a belt is to remove it and that ain’t never going to happen.

I’d still have it changed on your car.

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Howard B said:
I was expecting to change the cambelt on my Seat Arona next year at 5 years old. However the dealer said ther gas been a change from VAG & the belt is only replaced on mileage and should only be inspected during service. Mileage they said it needs changing at is 150K.
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I'd get an independent to change it with the kit (water pump, and also guides, iirc)

Not expensive at all.
 
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Where to next? said:
I’ve got exactly the same dilemma. Fiat Ducato based Dethleffs, 5 years old in September, 18,000 miles. Our local Fiat Professional garage said we could wait another year or two as the mileage is relatively low. I’m pleased they didn’t hard sell the need to change the belt but ultimately I’ll be the one picking up the bill if it breaks. They quoted £860 for cam belt replacement and the 2 year service. Does that sound reasonable or should I shop around?
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Where are you based ??
 
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PP Bear said:
Think it’s like playing russian roulette. Driving style, climate, age, mileage all play a part in this and just depends on how lucky you feel.

My cars 20 years old, but 124,000 miles. It’s soon to have its 5th belt, but following the example of 150k miles, then the car could be 30 years old before it’s changed.

Do you also actually trust anyone who says they’ve inspected your belt during a service. Only way to check a belt is to remove it and that ain’t never going to happen.

I’d still have it changed on your car.
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Thanks, but I'll follow the manufacturer (VAG) recommendations. Ill not be keeping the car more than another few years so not worried, but if i was id probably change it at 100K miles. I was wrong about the time though its 15 years or 180k miles. Just dug this out from SEAT. I guess it depends on the age of car/ which variant engine you have but mine falls into the directive below.
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Starting from 1st July, there has been a revision in the cambelt replacement guidance across the Volkswagen Group, including our vehicles. The previous five-year interval for cambelt replacement has been removed. Going forward, the replacement schedule will be based on mileage, aligned with the maintenance schedules established by our Elsa Pro system, which accurately determines these intervals. The enhanced reliability and extended change intervals of cambelts have led to the removal of the previous five-year recommendation. Instead, the new guidance outlines time or distance intervals, as specified in Elsa Pro. This change was implemented on Saturday, 1st July 2023. It is advisable to refer to Elsa Pro for the recommended intervals applicable to all engine types. In certain models, this may result in the absence of a service interval, with components designated as "fitted for life," effective for a span of 15 years or 180,000 miles.

For the fita Ducato belt, my handbook states "must be changed every 4 years for heavy use (cold climates, town use or periods of heavy idling) or at least every 5 years". Ill bet most if not all use the 5 year point.
Do owners know when the engine was built in their MH? The COC build date on my last van was May 2015, however the MH wasnt registered until Jan 2016. I suspect many owners will use the registration date rather than the COC build date to change the belt.
 
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