A dilemma

[JAZZJIM]

I own a Ford Focus which is now 10 years old but has only done a genuine 30,000 miles. I would ask for opinions as to when the Timing Belt should be changed?

[Sponsor]

[sbc17]

Originally Posted by JAZZJIM

I own a Ford Focus which is now 10 years old but has only done a genuine 30,000 miles. I would ask for opinions as to when the Timing Belt should be changed?

Wow only 30k for a 10 year old car. Nice! It's supposed to be a 100k ish belt. But since its 10 years old I would have it done as soon as you can.

[GreySkorpion]

Originally Posted by sbc17

Wow only 30k for a 10 year old car. Nice! It's supposed to be a 100k ish belt. But since its 10 years old I would have it done as soon as you can.

This^^^any rubber will break down with time. I am sure you arent running the original tires and have changed the oil more than 6-10 times. You are talking about the integrity of your engine, so change as soon as possible!

[freemind]

Timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley and water pump. As soon as you can.

[seventystangfan]

Originally Posted by freemind

Timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley and water pump. As soon as you can.

How often do you recommend replacing these parts? I distrust the people who owned my car prior to me and I hear that a bad timing belt causes bad problems for the Zetec.

[rambleon84]

Originally Posted by seventystangfan

How often do you recommend replacing these parts? I distrust the people who owned my car prior to me and I hear that a bad timing belt causes bad problems for the Zetec.

You can see here for a maintenance guide for your year.

Normally the belt is recommended for 100k iirc and would recommend you do the rest at the same time. Like mentioned above, parts wear out and at different times. If you bought your car with less than 100k and you dont have a service record/receipt of the job being done, then it might be due if you have more miles than that now.

[eurolook71]

Originally Posted by freemind

Timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley and water pump. As soon as you can.

Agreed. Maintenance book with my 03 zx3 says 120K miles for belt change. I would change soon too as the rubber breaks down, reducing reliability.

Change everything freemind mentioned at the same time, since it's getting done anyways.

[sbc17]

I think I would replace before 120k. Probably closer to 100k. At this point your(the belts) worst enemy is the time factor. That rubber is now 10 years old.

Bottom line, get it replaced as soon as you can to prevent the worst.

-sbc

[Diesel]

remove cover look at belt. if it looks bad replace it if not wait. water pump no reason to throw that in too. it's not on or behing the T-belt.
From my understanding your european focus is an interfierence motor. A normal US non SVT is non interfierence.