Cam/Timing Belt change reminder

[plrobbo]

WOW! Thought I'd post my findings on this subject.
My car is a 2004 MGTF Coupe LE covered only 15,850 kilometers - BUT - is now 4.5 years old from manufacture. So, I thought, with only these low k's covered, do I carry out a Cam/Timing Belt change now or not???
Well, I decided to do it and just as well I did, because I found the following; 1. The Cam Belt was very hard and had small cracks in it. 2. The Alternator/airconditioner belt was very cracked as well & could've gone 'walkabout' any time .
Moral of this 'short story' is; carry out your Cam/Timing Belt change on TIME and NOT mileage/kilometers & use a well known trusted brand. Who knows what was used in my car at manufacture??
Cheers Robbo 'Downunder' WA

[Chris Tideswell]

Yes you were right to change the belt, the cam belt change time for the TF was reduced to 4 years from the F's 5 years although it's not unusual to find cracks on cam belts after only a shot period of time. Not sure the original manufacture was of the belts, it probably changed from time-to-time in any case. It's the alternator belt that is deadly, if this snaps then it can take the cam belt with it.

[Fletch29]

Being too old/idle to do it myself, any typical quotes for replacement of cam and alternator belts, my TF has just passed its 4th birthday and although only 12000 miles , seems like a sensible precaution. Are there any other bits and pieces (pulleys etc) that should be changed at the same time?

[Andrew Regens]

The belt tensioner should also be done and check the water pump, if it is weeping get it replaced at the same time. On most of the low mileage cars that I have had done the belts still look servicable BUT I have seen the damage done when ignored and the cost for peace of mind is low compared to having to repair and replace a damaged head and valves.

[Helsbyman]

mike satur has a kit for the cam belt bolts as he says they can shear £10 i think. having said that u can go to your local hardware shop and buy two s/steel ones and lock tight them as this seems to be all that the kit is.

[Canalsman]

I bought my 2004 TF 160 in November with 23000 miles on the clock.

Shortly after I took it to Steve McKie in Chesterfield for a four year service.

He didn't report on the state of the cam belts - but he did replace the alternator drive belt which was near to breaking, the belt tensioners and the water pump which was starting to weep.

This bears out what has been said earlier and reinforces the importance of these major services ...

[plrobbo]

It must be kept in mind - that the 'uprated' cam bolts (2 for standard f/tf - 4 for the 160) are made from HIGH TENSILE steel and must not be confused with anything else ie stainless steel is a no no.