TroppoShark

Hey guys and gals,

Last week I had my timing belt changed; probably about the fifth time for this vehicle, and the second time since in my possession.

Turned out to be a good bit more expensive than usual, because the cogs, or gears, which are engaged by the belt were considerably worn.

The belts have, over the past quarter century, worn off the hardened casing on the aluminium [sorry, 'aluminum' in the States] teeth, and I'm told they start to wear pretty fast once that has happened...

Sorry I didn't think to take a pic, but they were definitely 'canyoning', for want of a better word.

I don't have to worry about that again, but it's certainly something to look for next time you have to get a timing belt changed...

Cheers,

Phill.

Bill Ball

If this is the first time in 5 belts the gears have been replaced, you got off easy. Mine last about 2 belts or about 120K miles at most. At the same time, it's important to check the oil pump gear, which originally was the same coated aluminum (replacement is steel) and the crank gear, which although steel, can wear out, although mine is still original.

Dave928S

Hi Phill ... got a pic of your car or can you describe it. I'd be interested to know if I've seen you on the road over here. I'd also be interested to know who's doing the work for you.

TroppoShark

Hey Bill,

Thanks for adding your tips to the post.

I must say that it was a bit of a revelation to me about the wear on the gears; can't remember seeing any reference to it before... I'm sure that my garage would have checked out the oil pump gear, etc, as well, but I'll certainly alert them to check it next time. I did get the water pump replaced this time as well, and tensioner roller etc etc...

I should mention, for the sake of anyone else who was unaware of this wear, that the problem, in part, is that the canyoning wear into the gears frays and chews the edge of the belt, making it more susceptible to failure...

G'day Dave,

mine's white with blue interior, in nice condition. Looks like yours in your avatar pic...but Alpine White.

I get it serviced at Weltmeister in Richmond, Melbourne; take it over there once every fifteen months or so... I got onto them because they're recommended by LandsharkOz, and I like going to someone who is experienced with them. They've always alerted me to issues in a timely manner...

Did I pass you on the Midland's Hwy on Saturday? I thought I passed a maroon shark on my way back from the ferry, but by the time it sunk in we were both gone. Bwaaaaaaahh...

Cheers,

Phill.