Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Mon 30 Mar 2009 13:04

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - bluenun

At how many miles should the cam belt be renewed on a 53 reg 1.6 zetec auto?

Edited by Webmaster on 30/03/2009 at 13:16

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Mon 30 Mar 2009 18:50

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - howarth-motorsport

You are better checking with your local garage but i believe it is 100000 Miles or 10 Years whichever comes first!

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Mon 30 Mar 2009 22:43

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - bluenun

Thanks for the reply.

Is the Cam belt the same thing as the timing belt?

I ask because I looked in the Haynes Manual and they say to change it every 37,500 miles even though Ford recommend a much higher mileage.

Haynes often are very different on their views compared to Ford.

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Mon 30 Mar 2009 23:47

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - mikej

Yes, the cam belt is also known as the timing belt.

Ford say their cam belts are good for 100k miles/10 years, but most people don't tend to leave it that long as the consequences of one snapping can be quite severe. I would have said that renewing it every 37,500 miles is a little over-cautious however, although it's probably good practice.

My Focus had done over 85k miles without a cam belt change before I sold it, but I was under no illusion that I was taking a chance !

It's recommended that the tensioner kit/pulleys are replaced at the same time as renewing the cam belt on the Focus - these can often be on their last legs well before 100k.

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Tue 31 Mar 2009 14:05

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - howarth-motorsport

Yeah i also would advise changing the timing belt slightly earlier like 10000 miles before!
I would always say fit a kit as the tensioner and guide pulleys have little bearings inside which fail and cause the timing belt to come off, that would then be extra cost for all damage caused!

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Tue 31 Mar 2009 18:05

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - bluenun

Many thanks for the answers.
It does appear Haynes are over cautious about a lot of car maintenance jobs.

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Tue 31 Mar 2009 20:44

2003 1.6 Zetec Cam belt renewal? - chris.speakman

I know it's not the same but I've got a Fiesta 53 plate, TDCi and Ford reccommend changing at 150,000 miles or every 10 years, whatever comes first.

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