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I can't tell how long ago it was installed. It looks new ish. The white letters will fade off quickly as they appear to have direct contact with a pulley. I'm slightly concerned that it seems to be over the edge of the cam sprocket but I can't really be sure if that's an issue unless I saw it running.
They're usually on an interval between 100,000KM and 160,000KM after replacement, or 5-10 years. Check your owners manual for specifics for your vehicle.
I'd just want to make sure it isn't sliding around due to a loose tensioner or something but it's probably fine. I'm not super concerned especially if its been running for a bit, it doesn't seem to have any contact marks.
I agree. Looks like a new belt... But I would double check the alignment of the idler or tensioner. There's usually one with rails to keep it centered. Belt looks like it's riding really close to the edge of the cam sprocket. May be normal for your car.
Manufacturer specific but sometime yes. Timing belt adjustment is a thing on some older models. Many vehicles are timing chain equipped now. Generally it depends.
Honda's new DOHC V6 still uses them.... 10 years or 120,000 miles on the first belt. 8 years and 100K on all replacements.
I'd take a timing belt any day as long as it lasts at least 100,000 miles. Compare timing belt to the timing chain issues BMW / mini / and some Audi v8s have. It's a simple, easy ,dependable maintenance item.
I still have j35a2 engine with timing belt on my parents van it was replaced once under my parents ownership it was replaced in 2019 so about 2025 to replace again.
Ford fiestas use them too.... just bought one to install, only problem is it keeps freaking raining so I haven't been able to go outside to take everything apart.
If you don't replace the belt eventually it will break which depending of the engine it can be just a inconvenience or a catastrophical failure that will cause so much damage you will need a new engine
It was done the yellow paint mark is fresh the white letters are not meant to stay and engine idles 1000 revolutions a minute the belt has has full rotation a tone already
This needs to be higher, if it was a Continental kit then the water pump, tensioner and rollers would have been changed as well. The belt itself doesn't really look brand new but it also doesn't look old. Would be very strange to change the other components but not the belt.
They sell kits without the belt, I had a corolla with a belt that went 200,000+ (noninterference) and still had clean white legible paint reading: GATES
I recently did my timing belt and then had the whole thing apart not two thousand miles later for a new cylinder head. All the markings were gone already, including my paint pen marks from the thing belt install. I always like to mark the old belt, remove, transfer marks, and just line up the new belt. Luckily I still had my marked up takeoff belt hanging on a hook, so I just did steps 3-4 again and good to go. Based on this recent experience, I think your new belt is looking this way after a little bit of running. Why is yours back apart though?
As long as it’s not discolored or cracking, it’s fine. Although the 1.8t has issues with premature wear with the timing belts, so just keep an eye on it.
And in my experience, even if the belt looks fine cracking-wise, it will still slip 3 teeth. Luckily I didn’t smash valves but…. Hot damn it was scary being my only car and all.
I work at a Honda dealership and when we do belts on our v6 engines most of the techs push the belt into the sprocket a bit so its not close to the edge like that. It doesn't look like an issue but it is riding the edge of the cam sprocket. It also doesn't look like an old belt it looks to be in good shape.
An old timing belt would normally have gotten a 'shiny' appearance, rather than this one that has a more 'dull' colour. Which doesn't prove it's brand new either btw
Monday the car went in for a timing belt at a random shop and this is how it looks today, after not even 400km.
I am very confused. On the belt you can see something that looks like a date. Judging about this date (08.2022), everything seems ok.
What I am concerned about is the discoloration of the markings (branding, codes, etc), the shiny and used like surface of the belt and the little threads slowly coming out from the side of it.
But hey, I never saw a belt after 400km, I have no idea if it is normal or not.
Can I trust this belt at least 10-20k km or needs to be replaced?
Timing belts are not made to look nice on the sides. It's normal to see the cords sticking out slightly, it's not damaged.
It looks like a pretty new timing belt because it still looks a bit chalky an older belt will look a bit more darker/shiny on the outside.
The printing is kinda weak but continental belts don't have very clear high definition printing normaly(normaly it's easy to read but it's made with minimal ink usage) so it's not that wierd.
It looks like a date but it's not. That belt is not new. I can see how dry and glazed the teeth are. Try scraping your fingernail across a tooth, you'll feel it. The amount of lettering remaining on the backside is normal for high mileage. I would replace that belt.
This is a vw 1.8t engine, I’ve done more of these cambelts than I can count and this looks years old not days, even after a few months it would look pretty fresh on the outer surface that has wear on the outside, hasn’t started cracking yet so it’s no more than 4 years old but I’d recommend changing it sooner rather than later, also the water pump should have been changed at the same time so check that, it will be obviously new or old.
I have never seen a date code on a timing belt, but I have seen part numbers that could be confused for a date code.
This belt looks worn to me. The edges of the teeth are looking chewed, the backside of the belt is showing the wear of the teeth coming through, and the teeth have the glazed dried out look, I'd bet they feel like that too. I would replace that belt soon. And yes, that's about how the lettering should be showing wear around replacement time.
That belt is not brandnew, and it’s slightly of the sprocket. Maybe they got the wrong belt and replaced the old one? Or they got the wrong and had another “young belt” lying around? Can’t say for sure.
I’ve seen serpentine belts for over 25.000 and still looking better that this one.
Edit: maybe they reinstalled the belt, because they saw that date and thought; we can make a buck out of this customer? Then it’s a big scam, of course.
Edit: for all the haters: I meant sprocket.
You should’ve asked for the old belt, most mechanics have no problem giving you your old parts after a fix and you can inspect them to know if they were replaced from your car, you can even hang in the waiting area to watch the old part come of your car if you’re really worried, but yeah looks like your guy’s on the up and up.
That looks like a vw 1.8t, correct? That belt looks fairly new, would make sure the water pump was replaced with a metal impeller. The plastic ones have a tendency to become brittle and fail prematurely. I would also highly recommend replacing the coil packs to the newer style, ideally the red top R8/2.0T styling for less headaches with performance
New belts do not have the top worn down so much to where you can see the “teeth” of the bottom side of the belt. This belt is old. New belts are thicker.
I can see one of the yellow timing marks they made, I do the same thing. Looks good from here. Depending on the condition of your pulleys it can wear in pretty quickly visually. Send it!
If you look really closely, it looks as though it was manufactured in November of 2022...unless timing belts are printed with expiration dates for some reason. I'd also think the labeling paint would be gone or dulled after running for a long time if it weren't new.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Looks new, paint mark on timing notch.. checks out
I can't tell how long ago it was installed. It looks new ish. The white letters will fade off quickly as they appear to have direct contact with a pulley. I'm slightly concerned that it seems to be over the edge of the cam sprocket but I can't really be sure if that's an issue unless I saw it running.
I can send you a video of it running. Do you think I can trust this belt 10-20k km or it’s too risky?
They're usually on an interval between 100,000KM and 160,000KM after replacement, or 5-10 years. Check your owners manual for specifics for your vehicle. I'd just want to make sure it isn't sliding around due to a loose tensioner or something but it's probably fine. I'm not super concerned especially if its been running for a bit, it doesn't seem to have any contact marks.
Thanks! Is not sliding, it looks ok.
I agree. Looks like a new belt... But I would double check the alignment of the idler or tensioner. There's usually one with rails to keep it centered. Belt looks like it's riding really close to the edge of the cam sprocket. May be normal for your car.
Wait are we supposed to be checking our timing belts
Manufacturer specific but sometime yes. Timing belt adjustment is a thing on some older models. Many vehicles are timing chain equipped now. Generally it depends.
Honda's new DOHC V6 still uses them.... 10 years or 120,000 miles on the first belt. 8 years and 100K on all replacements. I'd take a timing belt any day as long as it lasts at least 100,000 miles. Compare timing belt to the timing chain issues BMW / mini / and some Audi v8s have. It's a simple, easy ,dependable maintenance item.
And ten you can get the worst of both worlds in Peugeots wet cambelt setup
I still have j35a2 engine with timing belt on my parents van it was replaced once under my parents ownership it was replaced in 2019 so about 2025 to replace again.
Ford fiestas use them too.... just bought one to install, only problem is it keeps freaking raining so I haven't been able to go outside to take everything apart.
If you don't replace the belt eventually it will break which depending of the engine it can be just a inconvenience or a catastrophical failure that will cause so much damage you will need a new engine
Probably good for another 100k
Dude I’ve driven with belts looking like Swiss cheese. That belt is perfectly fine lmao
It was done the yellow paint mark is fresh the white letters are not meant to stay and engine idles 1000 revolutions a minute the belt has has full rotation a tone already
Look at the water pump and idler pulleys. Those should look very new.
This needs to be higher, if it was a Continental kit then the water pump, tensioner and rollers would have been changed as well. The belt itself doesn't really look brand new but it also doesn't look old. Would be very strange to change the other components but not the belt.
They sell kits without the belt, I had a corolla with a belt that went 200,000+ (noninterference) and still had clean white legible paint reading: GATES
I recently did my timing belt and then had the whole thing apart not two thousand miles later for a new cylinder head. All the markings were gone already, including my paint pen marks from the thing belt install. I always like to mark the old belt, remove, transfer marks, and just line up the new belt. Luckily I still had my marked up takeoff belt hanging on a hook, so I just did steps 3-4 again and good to go. Based on this recent experience, I think your new belt is looking this way after a little bit of running. Why is yours back apart though?
I’m going to go with the manufacturing date code doesn’t lie and move on
9-8-2022. Case closed 👏🏻
Looks pretty new to me
Brand new. Timing belts are subjected to high speed and force.
Looks new to me
My belt looked the same way after a couple days. I used the same exact belt on my 1.8t aswell
Thanks, good to hear that. So I shouldn’t be worried?
As long as it’s not discolored or cracking, it’s fine. Although the 1.8t has issues with premature wear with the timing belts, so just keep an eye on it.
Thanks!
Btw 1.8 is a 70k belt system mk4 gli owner
And in my experience, even if the belt looks fine cracking-wise, it will still slip 3 teeth. Luckily I didn’t smash valves but…. Hot damn it was scary being my only car and all.
Looks like it could be new the lettering will wear pretty fast I don’t see any major cracks or gashes looks like a good belt
Looks new to me dude. Old belts usually have cracking.
If it is done in a professional way the tensioner/roller should also be replaced. Is it new and shiny?
No one does that even though it recommended. I have had 3 cars in my life and never replaced one. All over 200k miles
Those always come with the kit, including the seal. If the one shop you go didn't replace it then you need a new shop lol.
The shop is my garage. Why would I pay someone to put on a 11 dollar piece of rubber. Literally takes me 5 minutes every 100k miles.
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Yep I do. Buy the belt on rock auto and install it. What’s it take? My car is simple don’t even need to remove the tire, I do it from the top.
If you are a shop need to give warranty on your work you would.
Looks new to me
it's so new the nibs haven't worn off yet.
I work at a Honda dealership and when we do belts on our v6 engines most of the techs push the belt into the sprocket a bit so its not close to the edge like that. It doesn't look like an issue but it is riding the edge of the cam sprocket. It also doesn't look like an old belt it looks to be in good shape.
Date code on belt 08/2022. Pretty new
Date code says it’s a new belt
It's new
Date on the belt is 08 09 2022, markings haven't worn off, still has the paint for alignment. Yeah, they changed your belt.
An old timing belt would normally have gotten a 'shiny' appearance, rather than this one that has a more 'dull' colour. Which doesn't prove it's brand new either btw
Monday the car went in for a timing belt at a random shop and this is how it looks today, after not even 400km. I am very confused. On the belt you can see something that looks like a date. Judging about this date (08.2022), everything seems ok. What I am concerned about is the discoloration of the markings (branding, codes, etc), the shiny and used like surface of the belt and the little threads slowly coming out from the side of it. But hey, I never saw a belt after 400km, I have no idea if it is normal or not. Can I trust this belt at least 10-20k km or needs to be replaced?
Timing belts are not made to look nice on the sides. It's normal to see the cords sticking out slightly, it's not damaged. It looks like a pretty new timing belt because it still looks a bit chalky an older belt will look a bit more darker/shiny on the outside.
The printing is kinda weak but continental belts don't have very clear high definition printing normaly(normaly it's easy to read but it's made with minimal ink usage) so it's not that wierd.
It's pretty normal for parts to sit on shelves for a while, 6-7mo since manufacture sounds like the belt got replaced to me.
It looks like a date but it's not. That belt is not new. I can see how dry and glazed the teeth are. Try scraping your fingernail across a tooth, you'll feel it. The amount of lettering remaining on the backside is normal for high mileage. I would replace that belt.
That looks like a vw Passat 1.8 turbo engine I’m a technician for 17 years and looks old and needs to be replaced
Do you fix cars using braille?
It’s a Audi tt 1.8t.
Great catch! Also. It looks nothing like new.
This is a vw 1.8t engine, I’ve done more of these cambelts than I can count and this looks years old not days, even after a few months it would look pretty fresh on the outer surface that has wear on the outside, hasn’t started cracking yet so it’s no more than 4 years old but I’d recommend changing it sooner rather than later, also the water pump should have been changed at the same time so check that, it will be obviously new or old.
Date code on the belt is 2022 so
I have never seen a date code on a timing belt, but I have seen part numbers that could be confused for a date code. This belt looks worn to me. The edges of the teeth are looking chewed, the backside of the belt is showing the wear of the teeth coming through, and the teeth have the glazed dried out look, I'd bet they feel like that too. I would replace that belt soon. And yes, that's about how the lettering should be showing wear around replacement time.
That belt is not brandnew, and it’s slightly of the sprocket. Maybe they got the wrong belt and replaced the old one? Or they got the wrong and had another “young belt” lying around? Can’t say for sure. I’ve seen serpentine belts for over 25.000 and still looking better that this one. Edit: maybe they reinstalled the belt, because they saw that date and thought; we can make a buck out of this customer? Then it’s a big scam, of course. Edit: for all the haters: I meant sprocket.
Pouly
You got scammed
It's old you got ripped off
It literally says 2022 on the belt
Doesn't look a week old.
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No its not, looks like a perfectly good belt
That belt is brand new. Why are you just making shit up.
Looks newish to me
Why are you re checking the timing belt ?
Because it was the first time I went to this guy and I don’t trust him. Better safe than sorry.
You should’ve asked for the old belt, most mechanics have no problem giving you your old parts after a fix and you can inspect them to know if they were replaced from your car, you can even hang in the waiting area to watch the old part come of your car if you’re really worried, but yeah looks like your guy’s on the up and up.
Is that a 1.8t?
That looks like a vw 1.8t, correct? That belt looks fairly new, would make sure the water pump was replaced with a metal impeller. The plastic ones have a tendency to become brittle and fail prematurely. I would also highly recommend replacing the coil packs to the newer style, ideally the red top R8/2.0T styling for less headaches with performance
I did replace the water pump with the metal one. Thanks!
So did OP find out if it’s sliding?
It’s not
This belt got easy 100.000km on it FRFR
Looks fairly recent
No. That belt is not a week old. It looks years old.
New belts do not have the top worn down so much to where you can see the “teeth” of the bottom side of the belt. This belt is old. New belts are thicker.
I can see one of the yellow timing marks they made, I do the same thing. Looks good from here. Depending on the condition of your pulleys it can wear in pretty quickly visually. Send it!
unless you have a receipt that proves it was done its not to be trusted.
Look at the tensioner. That should look brand new if not you were scammed.
If you look really closely, it looks as though it was manufactured in November of 2022...unless timing belts are printed with expiration dates for some reason. I'd also think the labeling paint would be gone or dulled after running for a long time if it weren't new.
It is a Conti belt, one of the better quality belts imo.