timing belts

What vehicle do you have? Does it still have any warranty period left eg. 5 yrs etc.? If there is any likelyhood of a warrenty being compromised then get the belt changed by the recomended time.

Some engine models just coast to a stop if the belt breaks, others can make a VERY expensive noise before they stop - replacement pistons, valves, head etc.

If you treat your engine nicely and are not in the habit of over reving I don't think you need to do any maintenance before the recomended km's. Many people run out to 120,000 + km's with no problems at all. Make sure that when you do change the belt you also change any tensioning device and idlers at the same time. Most vehicle manufacturers and after market suppliers include the idlers and belt tensioner with a timing belt kit.

I'm not sure on the fords, but the Nissan 2.8 isn't very expensive, so I did mine a little early as I was in the process of removint the radiator for a re - core, and replacing all of the belts and hoses on the front of the motor. Cheap insurance doing it early (on a diesel at least), very pricey if one fails.

Cheers Andrew

PS if the Book says to do it at 100,000; and it fails berforehand, wouldn't the motor company have to cover it under warrenty, as its service recommendations have been followed and their component didn't meet the requirement of the part?

I just took the whole front of my engine apart (75 series landcruiser troopie 1995 model) just to get to the oil seal at the front of the block. Had to remove everything, and did the timing belt while i was at it. Thing I noticed was that when the engine is at rest the timing belt is loose, when its turning, the belt is tight. Something to do with the way the tensioner works. I checked the spring and it seemed right, even went back to it and took it out and checked it again. seemed ok. wierd.
Anyone else has any experience with this can say if thats right or not? I also double checked with the book how you install it.

Astra's and Vectras need to be replaced at 60 000 km.
Mitsubishi express vans are set to be replaced at 100 000 km but I strongly advise you replace them at 90 000 km.
Mitsubishi Lancer, and Hyundai's are set for 90 000 km but would advise to do earlier.
Toyota's are set for 150 000 km and seem to last to then.

The HZJ motor would have to be one of the easiest of all to change the belt on. Don't know why anyone that owns one of these hesitates to do it at the recommended intervalls or even before.

It all depends on how you use the vehicle. I have heard of many toyotas with a belt change due at 150,000 break belts well before 100,000. Unfortunatly nobody told the farmers that purchased these cars that when your car is sitting in the paddock idling away happily things are still wearing out even though the odometer isn't moving.
So if yourvehicle sits for long periods idling i would certainlt get your belt changed before it id dure to be on the safe side.
Cheers Andrew

thanks to all who replyed, its booked in wednesday to be replaced its not very expensive for peace of mind. cheers every one