A final update. Had it done today. I'd asked for it to be a first job as I'd have to hang around for it. Dropped it off at 8:15am and they said it'd take 3-4 hours so would be done 'around lunchtime'. I went for a wander and got back there about noon.

Got to 2pm and no one had been to tell me what was happening. She checked with the technician and manager who said the Ford schedule which said 3 hours can't be right and there was no way they could quote so low again (£551). I was told it would be another hour. I had to ask again after 2 hours what was happening and was told they were doing final checks. So, about 7.5 hours in all. They offered an MOT as an apology I which I replied I'd prefer a discount but they said they couldn't do that as they'd undercharged the job anyway. They then offered a free service which I accepted (grabbed!). Will save me the £160 my local garage charge.

Out of curiosity I asked to look at the old belt. It looked in good nick to me. There were very slight cracks on the inside at the bottom of the teeth when the belt was bent the other way but I reckon it could have done another 10 years.

CW yes could possibly last another 10 years lol as you mention, but better safe than sorry at least  it's done now and peace of mind too

On 7/25/2023 at 6:15 PM, ChillyWilly said:

A final update. Had it done today. I'd asked for it to be a first job as I'd have to hang around for it. Dropped it off at 8:15am and they said it'd take 3-4 hours so would be done 'around lunchtime'. I went for a wander and got back there about noon.

Got to 2pm and no one had been to tell me what was happening. She checked with the technician and manager who said the Ford schedule which said 3 hours can't be right and there was no way they could quote so low again (£551). I was told it would be another hour. I had to ask again after 2 hours what was happening and was told they were doing final checks. So, about 7.5 hours in all. They offered an MOT as an apology I which I replied I'd prefer a discount but they said they couldn't do that as they'd undercharged the job anyway. They then offered a free service which I accepted (grabbed!). Will save me the £160 my local garage charge.

Out of curiosity I asked to look at the old belt. It looked in good nick to me. There were very slight cracks on the inside at the bottom of the teeth when the belt was bent the other way but I reckon it could have done another 10 years.

Was this the wet belt ? 

10 minutes ago, noste500 said:

Was this the wet belt ? 

No, the OP has an ST with 1.6 eco boost. It is a dry belt.