Timing belt replacement @ 98K Kms and 7 years

[northiam]

D4 SDV6 3.0 build date 09/2010

Is it really neccessary to replace belt at 7 years only? (98,000 kms)

Bought privately so not trying to maintain any warranty, just peace of mind really...

Is it a job for home mechanic?

The serpentine doesnt appear to be replaced and no signs of cracks in ribs?

What about coolant hoses at this point?

Thanks

[Tins]

D4 SDV6 3.0 build date 12/2010

Is it really neccessary to replace belt at 7 years only? (98,000 kms)

Bought privately so not trying to maintain any warranty, just peace of mind really...

Is it a job for home mechanic?

The serpentine doesnt appear to be replaced and no signs of cracks in ribs?

What about coolant hoses at this point?

Thanks

I don't know if it's necessary at that age, but, have you ever seen an engine when the belt has let go?? I would just do it, or get it done. My 2c.

[veebs]

Advice given to me by the local indie was not to stress too much about the 7 year thing. I have ~125,000km, and suggestion was to run another 20,000km before changing, and even then, do it only as a peace of mind thing.

Wouldn't attempt to do the change myself, though I'm far from mechanical.

[Discovered 1 2]

Apparently there’s 2 belts, one at the front and one at the back.. complex job they recon. Had mine done recently combined with front disks and pads for about $2400 at a local Indi.. I’m not a mechanic but saw far too much margin for error for me to stuff it up to do it myself.

My 3.0 has done 170k of Highway driving but saw no obvious reason to postpone it.. risk associated with requiring a new donk if it it broke = no brainer.

[DiscoJeffster]

As I understand it, replacing the rear HPFP belt is listed as a chassis off job. There are some indies which can do it without, but it’s a pain in the arse.
I wouldn’t let it run and would do it personally. Various reasons exist, but oil impregnating the belt is a risk. If a seal has started to weep it can get onto the belt and despite the km, cause it to deteriorate. At $25k for an engine, I wouldn’t risk it personally.