Timing Belt change

[nejkov]

I have 39.000miles on 2004 vehicle. Can I drive it without changing timing belt for at least 1.000miles or 6months more unstressed?
I am asking the question because I do not have the milage by far but I do have the years.
I would like to split service costs.

Thank you.

[Ray]

i would still get it changed. the part will wear down due to time not just wear from use.

[nejkov]

KK. I have that on mind. But, can I have those 6months without worring about engine loss, because of the timing belt?
It is kind of stupid question, but your oppinion will bring confort to me.

[BEAR]

when does the timing belt need changed on a 55 plate 1.6 16v megane, im sat at 50k, kind regards

[DJC013]

I am 99.9 % sure that the interval for the Timing Belt to be changed is 72000 miles / 5 years, whichever comes sooner. Hope this helps, regards Damian.

[nejkov]

Yes. I am firm on the service intervals. The question is, do 1000miles or 6months make a difference, for a vehicle that has 39.000miles and nearly 6years?
Is there anyone who changed the timing belt after 7years, because the vehicle had low milage? Are there any symptoms that suggest changing the timing belt?

[Anthony]

Yes. I am firm on the service intervals. The question is, do 1000miles or 6months make a difference, for a vehicle that has 39.000milest and nearly 6years?
Is there anyone who changed the timing belt after 7years, because the vehicle had low milage? Are there any symptoms that suggest changing the timing belt?

It's just a risk. It may not go for another year or maybe 2 but the manufacturers give the intervals for a reason. It's entirely up to you whether you want to risk it.

As far as I know there are no symptoms until the point where your engine pretty much eats itself as the belt goes.

[davelowe]

As far as I know there are no symptoms until the point where your engine pretty much eats itself as the belt goes.

That sums it up perfectly. There are no warning symptoms - the belt snaps and you need a new engine (more or less). Expect significant piston/valve damage.

[-KJ-]

The timingbelt on my car was changed after just 37.000 miles because the car is 5 years old now. It's not just the use of the car that wears the belt; because it's mostly made of rubber, it degrades over time. That's why there also is a time-limit set for the change.
Don't take the risk. As said by others: if it breaks, it will cost you lots of money (and I mean LOTS)!

[nejkov]

I will take your advice and garage the vehicle for a month till the timing and accessories belt kits come.

Thank you all.

[davelowe]

I will take your advice and garage the vehicle for a month

If you do this, don't leave the hand brake on, chock the wheels instead. Also, jam the clutch pedal down, and remove the battery. Give the battery a slow charge (1.5A) for a few hours once a week - don't let it get more than warm to the touch. This stops things from seizing up and the battery becoming discharged (and possibly needing to be replaced).

[assertivewolf]

Hi mate.
Just booked mine in for cambelt change today. My car is a 52 1.9dci and has only done 32k. Not happy about getting it done and they have already rang me to tell me that something or other needs changing as well. Look's like bill is nearing £500 but its better than engine rebuild. They say ignorance is bliss but all the advise to you appears to sound the same.
Best of luck
Assertivewolf

[nejkov]

Please change your signature saying: "Best advice for Mégane owners: sell it before it bankrupts you." Slowly but shurly I understand what you mean. Please do not make me change the vehicle. It brings smile on my face.

Can experienced forum member number for me all service parts that I need when changing timing belt for first time (39.000miles). I have came accross these:
timing belt kit
belt tensioner kit
dephaser pulley
cylinder head core plugs (x2)
accessories belt kit
water pump
which of those are truely essencial to be worry-free. Service manual says timing belt kit and accessories belt kit.

Thank you.

[andywills]

timing belt kit,
accessoires belt,
tensioner.

(make sure you change the pulleys at the same time (they're plastic)

and dephaser if you want to spend £118 for the part whilst doing the belts or £500 if it goes afterwards. Inspect the waterpump, they are reliable and don't necessarilly need changing

[nejkov]

I think timing belt kit (PN: 7701477023) includes tensioner



Is that right?