Timing Belt

[Wini]

How often do you think the timing belt needs to be replaced? I have a Ford Focus that has over 100k miles on it and I've never replaced the timing belt. It's not giving me any problems but I feel like it should have been changed by now. I'm lagging a bit, I know.

 

[HANG]

A timing belt is not something that needs to be replaced so often. Did you buy your focus new? If so, you better get that looked at soon to make sure it's ok. If you bought it certified pre owned, it's probable that the dealer had that done already some time ago. As long as it's been done once before the 100k mark, you really don't need it again. It's not something that has to be done every 10 k miles or anything.

 

[NeedNewWheels]

The timing belt is very important. If it has never been changed by 100k then I would definitely take it in. It's not going to be a cheap job though. A timing belt can snap without warning too, there might not be any sign that something is wrong.

 

[chillen]

Yea I have only seen a single vehicle (a truck) with this issue once in my life. The guy bought it used and it had over 150k miles on it but it ran like new for another ten years after he replaced the belt.

 

[Wini]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I am going to have it checked out because I bought it used and have no idea if anybody changed the belt. Probably not because I owned it since it had 50k on it. I've owned a van where the timing belt went out and I was in the middle of downtown Los Angeles. Not a good place for that to happen!

 

[HANG]

That's not good... no matter where you are! Yeah. If you bought it at 50k the chances of someone ever getting it looked at are very slim. I suggest you take it in within the next 10k miles or so. You don't have to rush or anything though.

 

[Midnight Tech]

Wini, I'm not seeing a timing belt listed on a Focus - can you post year and 8th character of the VIN?