Are there any tell-tale signs to warn of a possible cam belt / timing belt failure?

Question

I own a VW Golf if this helps, and I haven't changed the original cam belt in the 5 1/2 years I've had it from new.

Was wondering if there was any early symptoms I might look out for which could give me early warning that the cam belt / waterpump / tensioners/rollers ect is struggling and needs changing. (Better that than a snapped belt and bent valves).

Thanks.

I realise some cam belts can snap without any apparent warning (or so I'm told).

Thanks. (I've got to go to sleep now but hope I might find a good answer or two in the morning)

Answer 1

Other than actually looking at it (sometimes you can pull a cover off and see it), not really.

If you have over 60K miles, plan on getting it changed soon. You can be driving down the road one minute and the next be sitting on the side of the road. Really, it can happen that fast.

MOST engines will "freewheel" if the belt breaks (with no damage to valves), but not all of them. I'm not sure about your application.

Don't take chances . . . . do the maintenance your vehicle needs.

Answer 2

you inspect the belt with the engine off. Look for cracks. tiny cracks in the rubber means the solvents have evaporated entirely from the 'rubber' coating that protects the fiberglass belts inside that provide strength. They are what keeps it all together for 30,000 to 90,000 miles! No cracks? Not out of the woods yet. Look at the 'teeth' on the belt. where the belt is thickest as there is a "tooth" there, the rubber might be dark on the smooth side of the belt. where the belt is thin, as no tooth is on the other side, the rubber might be faded to a grey-black. When you look at the belt, it might appear like tiger strips across it, and that means the solvents are going, and I assure you that the time is now to fix it! I always buy the kit with the timing belt, instructions, idler pulley, and a new water pump, if it is a Volvo, Honda, Mitsubishi, or etc,. that has the water pump behind the timing cover. While in there, I am going to change out all the hoses, belts, also! The vehicle will be good until the next time a change is due! Other than the small adjustment of the idler pulley, that is! The Idler pulley needs to be adjusted correctly at installation, again about a week later, and then, every 10,000 or whatever interval is in the schedule. The new belts all stretch in the first 200 miles, and then settle down, after the adjustment. Adjustment a week later will allow for a double check for any loose bolts, leaks.

Answer 3

60,000 mi is about the life of a belt, it may last quite a bit more, but it's borrowed time.

Answer 4

There are NO easy "tell-tale" signs.

Better safe than sorry.
You're going to replace it someday, before, or after it breaks.
It's your choice........

Answer 5

take it to a speed oil change and put it on themachine that they have and it can tell you what is wrong if anything is