I have a Ford Galaxy TDI which is 5 years old. It has done 42000 miles. According to the service guide it should have the cambelt changed at 50,000 miles or 5 years. Is this really necessary? It is mainly used for school runs, shopping and family holidays.
Also Ford want £265 inc for the job. Can you recommend somewhere better and cheaper in North West London/Watford area?
Regards ... Gary
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If it were mine I would certainly get it changed. If the belt fails it will likely cause severe damage to the engine.
£265 is not an excessive amount for this job - I would not entrust the job to a 'back street' garage, although a trusted independent might do it a little cheaper.
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Gary, I wouldn't duck that one, as it's such a crucial component; and, heeding HJ's advice as always, I'd get it done sooner rather than later. There must be plenty of independents in your area who will do the job for half of the Ford agent's price; you're well out of warranty, so that's the option I'd choose.
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I agree with Roger & Aprilia here.....that price ain\'t bad given the potential complexity and pitfalls of the job.
Go for it.
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I have a Ford Galaxy TDI which is 5 years old. It has done 42000 miles. According to the service guide it should have the cambelt changed at 50,000 miles or 5 years. Is this really necessary?
Belts age whether they're used daily or only once a week. Heat differences, polution, etc. Over a period of time a belt will *dry out* ie, the oils, resins and other products within the rubber will depleat and eventually cracks will appear in the belt. Ford have obviously decided that 5 years is the predicted lifespan of the belt, which is why they have suggested it be changed at that time interval.
At the end of the day a new belt is a lot cheaper than a new engine.
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Thanks folks. I have booked it into Ford to have the cambelt changed next week.
Regards ... Gary
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Use the Ford.com site to get online alternative quotes from different local garages. You will be surprised how much variation there can be!
In Herts you can save about 40% on fixed price job by shopping around.
pmh (was peter)
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It's all US-based innit?
"Get premium automotive services for your vehicle ? from scheduled maintenance and tune-ups to complicated repairs. (U.S. only)"
Great idea, though. Nothing as good on the ford.co.uk site, mind.
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I must try the entire site out before dissin' it!
It's great! Works on my old man's trusty old '93 Sierra....quoted back instantly....very impressed.
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Sorry
Should be www.ford.co.uk ....................
pmh (was peter)
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My understanding is that the belt on your car needs changing at 60,000 miles or 40,000 if it had been the TDi Pumpe Deuse model (which it's not).
I'd worry about the local driving. All that stop/start is much worse for the belt (and everything else) than motorway runs.
The belt itself only costs £15 and is a doddle to fit. I've done loads, but live in Leeds. Are you anywhere near and I'll change it for you (1 hour needed? )
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The belt itself only costs £15 and is a doddle to fit. I've done loads, but live in Leeds. Are you anywhere near and I'll change it for you (1 hour needed? )
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It is a real generous offer but unfortunately he lives near London as he said in the first post. However, a tale that I know happened recently.
Kind man offered to help neighbour with undoing a tight "jubilee" clip on a radiator hose. While standing next to the car, he slipped and fell, gouging a deep scratch in the paintwork. Worse, he put the screwdriver through his foot. Now the two parties are suing each other for damages!
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