Advice Sort On Tensioner

[Barry_]

Hey fellas.

Right just after thoughts/advice/opinions on the tensioner section that is part of the cambelt assembly

I know the cambelt is officially due to be changed at 100k but have discovered that mine was changed by Fords during replacement of fuel pump and injector replacement back in June 2010 which is about 30k miles ago. Motor now has just under 75k on the clock and about to stick it in for a full service and get the aux drive belt replaced.

Anyhow to the point – I rang the Ford garage who done the work on the car (which was pre purchase) and they confirmed the cambelt was indeed changed but the tensioner part was not changed. Asked there opinion on if this should now be changed and they said it shouldn’t be an issue – if it starts to go I would noticed vibrations going from that area and should then get it sorted so the belt is not thrown off.

2BH I am a bit !Removed! off – I mean if they replaced the lot like they should then I wouldn’t have to worry about it for at least another 4 years but if I need to change it now its going to be about £300 inc a new belt (no point not changing that at the same time)

So thoughts on the tensioner section – Will I be ok leaving it, should I replace it??

Going to sort full service out first and then if need be (depending on what u lot say) I’ll get the cambelt and tensioner replaced in 3 or 4 mths time

To confirm motor is a 2006(06) Focus Titanium 1.8 TDCI

Thanks fellas

Baz

[artscot79]

i would call ford customer service.........its a rule of thumb to do a cambelt kit not just replace the belt and if the belt is removed then a kit should be used when i had my ti vct done it was a full kit they put on as its the tensioner that causes the issues and a vibration doesnt always show up before a failure.

advice call ford customer care and tell them the issue if they cant do anything for you ide just have a new kit fitted

[Barry_]

Hmmm i'll give them a ring and complain - doubt i'll achieve anything but worth a try.

I rang my Local Hendy Ford at lunch time to enquire about full service cost and mentioned the Cambelt and Tensioner - he said you sure they didn't use the kit as they really should have as matter of course - regardless of the fact the belt was changed at 45k they would of used a full kit - he asked for the part number and checked the system and confirmed it was just the belt..

Cost there will be £280ish - which ain't too bad is it?

Now trying to decide what to do about the Full service - Ford want £286.95 for the top service (which when i asked still only includes new oil & Filter/Air Filter/Fuel Filter & Pollen filter - and general stuff like brakes checked etc!!) but all services from ford now include 12mths breakdown cover!!!!

Local very trusted garage want £220 for full service which does the same as ford but no breakdown cover obviously - Sssoooo now do i go to ford service and drop my RAC breakdown cover which i thnk is about £65 year after the 10 yr discount or support my local garage!!! AArrrhhhh!

Now wondering if I ask them (local garage) to price up a cambelt & tensioner replacement as well - generally i only ever use a main dealer for cambelt changes but suppose a local garage would do the job just as well????

Decisions decisions....

[artscot79]

if an independant does it the belt is not gauranteed if ford do it its gauranteed so if the belt snapped ford have to fix the damage. they should have used a kit so id take it up with ford its fords own recomendation to replace all associated parts

[Barry_]

Really!! Can't see them doing that for longer than 12 mths though??

Going to see what customer services say - rang eailer but shut so will call then sat morning.

Cheers for thoughts

[artscot79]

the belt is gauranteed by ford for the 100k trust me independants dont do what ford do they will replace the belt and camshaft bolt the tensioner and tensioner bolts.theres a reason i say ford they do them everyday independants are not trained on every car belts have snappd after being done at independants and slipped or the car has running issues.

its youre call but i only have mine done by ford

[Barry_]

i'll stick to my original statement i think "generally i only ever use a main dealer for cambelt changes"

As you say they going to be doing alot more than a independant!

[stef123]

I really cant see ford 'guaranteeing' the belt for 100k miles, its only a guideline and not a rule.

the belt will be under different stresses depending upon driving type and also extremes of temperatures - its only made of rubber and whatever else?

If it were me, i would have the tensioner done though mate, a failed tensioner or other critical part will destroy the engine and leave you well out of pocket

[Barry_]

I really cant see ford 'guaranteeing' the belt for 100k miles, its only a guideline and not a rule.

the belt will be under different stresses depending upon driving type and also extremes of temperatures - its only made of rubber and whatever else?

If it were me, i would have the tensioner done though mate, a failed tensioner or other critical part will destroy the engine and leave you well out of pocket

Yer i can't see there being any Guarantee either (part from a possible 12 mth parts type)

Don't worry going to get both the tensioner and cambelt changed now, will firstly complain to customer services and see what happens (tell you now - NOTHING!!! LOL) Getting car a full service first (dam warrenty needing stamp in book!!! - so expensive - I could get Kwik fit to do a oil and filter change for £35.00 then change the fuel/air/pollen filters myself and have change from a ton... going to cost between £220 & £280 depending where i take it!!!) and i'll get the cam & Ten done in a mth or twos times once i saved a bit of extra cash!

[artscot79]

well i have the stamp in my book when i asked why it was stamped it was to prove when the belt was done and on what date as the guy said if in 2 years and only 10k miles the belt snaps we are liable and will claim the costs back from the belt manufacturer as it should last far longer.

other than that the last independant i know that did a ford belt somehow got the timing wrong,ford for 220 did the full belt and kit as well as accessory belt so haggling works