Frayed aux belt - ph1 172

[colm_gti]

While changing my radiator the other day, i noticed my aux belt is frayed on the outer edge, furthest from the engine if you get me. The cambelt itself looks fine, and the writing printed on the belt is still intact which would suggest it is new enough. When I bought the car i had no history of it ever being changed, and was assured by the lad selling it that it had been done at 55k and to ring the garage it was done at and they would tell me for sure. I'd imagine with the belt frayed there might be some danger of it being weaker? Would i be best to get both belts done?

 

[matty172cup]

the cambelt sonds like it will be fine but maybe the aux belt didnt get changed or could have been slightly over tightend to cause it to fray

Matty

 

[caister]

It autotightens. If possible check the history. Sounds like it definately needs the aux belt swapping even if its been done. I wouldn't be happy with a fraying belt being on there. If your half competant with a spanner then its not too bad a job to do yourself.

 

[colm_gti]

It autotightens. If possible check the history. Sounds like it definately needs the aux belt swapping even if its been done. I wouldn't be happy with a fraying belt being on there. If your half competant with a spanner then its not too bad a job to do yourself.

was just about to say that mate, i'd like to think i'm fairly competant alright, have just changed my radiator, have fitted exhausts and coilovers to cars and would always service my own. is it a difficult procedure? and is the cambelt itself difficult to tackle if i was to take my time at it?

 

[caister]

Ive never done the cambelt so I couldn't comment.

The auxilery belt isn't difficult its just a fidely and time consuming job. However when I did mine I had to change the tensioner and pulley wheel.

Basically its all about improving access to the belt. I personally removed the front bumper and drivers side wheel and arch liner so I could see what I was doing but not everybody does that. On the auto tensioner there is a square socket that I think is 3/8" you need to make or buy a bar (laser does one) that fits in the hole so you can detension the belt. Theres a few threads on it on here somewhere if you do a search.

 

[matty172cup]

ohh yeh dohhhhh forgoten they autotighten my bad if its apprently not that old i couldnt see it fraying tbh it cant have been changed

 

[Andyman]

Check to see whats causing the wear on the auxiliary belt, cracked broken pulley, worn pulley bearings. If theres no visable signs then it must be age related thus you want to get that cambelt done at the same time too imo