Wet Timing Belts

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All You Need To Know About Wet Timing Belts

What is a Wet Timing Belt

Common Vehicles with Wet Timing Belts

Maintenance and Replacement of Wet Timing Belts

What is a Wet Timing Belt

A wet timing belt, found in many modern vehicles like Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Transit, Peugeot 208, Citroën Berlingo, Toyota Aygo, Toyota Proace and Volkswagen models, operates inside the engine and is lubricated by oil. Wet belts reduce friction, enhance performance, and generally last longer than traditional dry belts.

This crucial component synchronizes engine parts, ensuring smooth function. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the wet timing belt are essential to avoid engine damage. Learn about wet timing belt replacement intervals and how it impacts cars, vans, and motorhomes with TSI or EcoBoost engines.

Common Vehicles with Wet Timing Belts

Many manufacturers have adopted wet timing belts in modern vehicles, especially in newer engines designed for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Some common makes and models that have engines with wet belts include:

Ford: Various models, including the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Transit vans, and Ford Ranger, often feature wet timing belts, especially in 1.0L and 1.5L EcoBoost engines.
Peugeot: Many Peugeot vehicles, such as the Peugeot 208, Peugeot 308, and Peugeot Boxer vans, also utilize wet timing belts in their newer engine designs.
Citroën: Similar to Peugeot, Citroën models like the Citroën Berlingo and Citroën C3 often have wet timing belts fitted.
Volkswagen Group: Vehicles from Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, and Škoda may also feature wet timing belts, particularly in smaller TSI and TDI engines.

Maintenance and Replacement of Wet Timing Belts

Although wet timing belts tend to last longer than traditional belts, they still need regular inspection and replacement. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing the wet timing belt between 60,000 and 150,000 miles or at specific time intervals. Neglecting this maintenance can result in costly repairs if the belt fails.

In conclusion, while wet timing belts offer advantages like extended life and smoother performance, they are still a crucial part of the engine that requires attention. If your car, van, or motorhome has a wet timing belt, consult your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to ensure your engine stays in top condition.

The Challenges of a Wet Timing Belt

Oil Contamination

Wet timing belts are lubricated by engine oil, and if the oil becomes contaminated by dirt, debris, or sludge, it can degrade the belt’s material. Over time, poor oil quality can lead to belt failure or reduced efficiency. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil are essential to mitigate this risk.

Belt Degradation

While wet belts are designed to last longer than dry belts, they can still degrade due to exposure to engine oil. If the oil used is not suitable or if oil leaks occur, the belt material can soften, swell, or crack, leading to premature wear.

Cost of Replacement

Wet timing belts are generally more expensive to replace than dry belts. The complexity of the system, which requires access to the engine's internal parts, means more labor-intensive work. This can result in higher repair costs when the belt reaches the end of its lifespan.

Failure Risks

Despite being engineered for durability, wet timing belts can still fail if not properly maintained or replaced at the recommended intervals. A sudden failure can cause significant engine damage, as the belt is responsible for synchronizing the engine’s components. The result could be bent valves, damaged pistons, or even complete engine failure, leading to costly repairs.

Increased Maintenance

Since wet belts rely on engine oil, maintaining proper oil levels and ensuring high-quality oil is crucial. Poor maintenance, such as neglecting oil changes or using incorrect oil, can shorten the belt’s life and lead to issues.

Variability

Not all manufacturers use the same materials or designs for wet timing belts, meaning the reliability and performance of these belts can vary between makes and models. Some vehicles might have longer-lasting belts, while others may require more frequent maintenance or replacement.

Common Makes and Models Affected

Wet timing belts are commonly found in models from Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Volkswagen, Audi, and other manufacturers, especially in newer EcoBoost and TSI engines.

Conclusion

While wet timing belts offer benefits such as quieter operation and potentially longer life, they come with challenges like susceptibility to oil quality, higher replacement costs, and the need for diligent maintenance. Regular oil changes and adherence to manufacturer-recommended service intervals are key to keeping wet timing belts functioning properly.

Wet Timing Belt Service
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Ford Ecoboost engines:
Full wet belt service

On the Ecoboost engine, a wet belt replacement can take up to 2 days with additional repairs and replacements:

Remove oil sump and clean out any rubber residue blocking the oil pick up.
Replace oil pump drive belt.
Replace water pump O ring (prone to fail).
Replace the crank seal.
Replace a vital part the thrust washer.
Replace Crank pulley bolt and set the torque to the correct Ford manufacturer specification.
Carry out a Oil and Filter change.

Models which have the Ecoboost engine include:

Ford Fiesta
Ford B-MAX
Ford EcoSport
Ford Focus
Ford New C-MAX
Ford Mondeo
Ford Transit Tourneo Connect
Transit Transit Courier
Ford Transit Connect
Ford Transit Custom
Ford Transit 350

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Ford Ecoblue Engines:
Full wet belt service

On the Ford Ecoblue engine engine, a wet belt replacement can take up to 2 days with additional repairs and replacements:

Remove sump and replace the oil pump drive belt.
Replace the sump.
Replace the timing belt cover with a new crankshaft seal.
Replace the timing belt and tensioners.
Once complete we also carry out a Oil and Filter change.

Models which have the Ecoboost engine include:

Ford Focus.
Ford Transit Connect.
Ford Kuga.
Ford Mondeo.
Ford S-MAX.
Ford Galaxy.
Ford Fiesta.
Ford EcoSport

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PSA 1.2 Engine:
Full wet belt service

The PSA group 1.2 engine the belt replacement is a lot quicker ob as there are less parts to remove but this does have to be done more frequently:

Replace the timing belt window gasket
Replace crank pulley bolt,Replace crank pulley seal,
Remove rocker covers for specialist locking tool
Replace rocket cover gasket.
Carry out a Oil and Filter change.

The PSA 1.2 Puretech engine is used in many different models, including:

Peugeot: 108
Peugeot: 208
Peugeot: 2008
Peugeot: 3013
Peugeot: 308 II
Peugeot: 408 II
Peugeot: 3008
Peugeot 5008
Citroën Berlingo III
Citroën C1 II
Citroën C3 III
Citroën C3/C4/C5
Citroën Aircross
Citroën C3-XR
Citroën C4 Cactus
Citroën C4 Picasso

Citroën DS: 3,
Citroën 3 Crossback,
Citroën 4S,
Citroën 7 Crossback
Toyota ProAce City,
Toyota Aygo
Vauxhall Combo E
Vauxhall Corsa F
Vauxhall Crossland
Vauxhall Grandland
Vauxhall Mokka

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I’m not normally speechless but today I succumbed ! I just could not believe the sparkling motorhome standing in front of me was the same tired one I left in the hands of these guys a week earlier ! Quick, efficient and professional throughout. They kept me updated with photos and emails of work done, being done and teaser shots of the then and now ! Completely stunning, I really can’t recommend these guys enough The whole team has a great work ethic and I found out that there is “No Can’t “in their vocabulary only “ of course we can “ A workforce to be proud of, very rarely found these days and YES it’s a 100% recommendation from me and Yes I will be returning to have the MOT and service done here, plus more interior work Lyn P - Read more about this project

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The customer service was 1st class.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 weeks ago

A month has now passed since we drove into Tradervan for a full service, mot & bodywork on our motorhome. It is time to review. This was our first visit. We were welcomed and put at ease immediately. Nothing was a trouble. We had previously booked so work began that day. The customer service was 1st. class. The rig shone on our pick up day and I write this review from the heart of Spain with a new cam belt, brakes & a vehicle to be proud of. Thanks to the team & see you in the future.

John & Sharon King - Dethleff A Class Motorhome

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated

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This was the 2nd time I have used this company and can honestly say very happy with the service I recieved, after completing a major service on my motorhome they highlighted some welding which was required, I was already aware it needed doing but asked if they could do it whilst my vehicle was with them. They agreed to do the work and provided a quote to complete the work whilst this wasn't a small sum to do the work I agreed for them to carry the work out for me. Yesterday I received a call to say the work was completed and my vehicle was ready for collection, expecting to pay the price of the quote I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated. In my mind that shows honesty and integrity as they could have charged me as per the quote and I wouldn't have known any different. So all in all very happy and would have no issues using them again.

John

John Barnes - Thurton resident

Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could

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Drove down for the weekend from london and had something go wrong with my car. They managed to fit me in at really short notice and they didnt try to rip me off. I was able to drive back to london safely and without having to be inconvenienced by being stuck there until i found a way of fixing my car or getting it back. Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could

Ben - Visitor to Norfolk

I would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone

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I’m not someone who normally writes reviews, but because the customer service was so good I wanted to let others be aware of this company. I needed to replace the cam belt for the Motorhome as well as giving it a major service prior to putting it up for sale. The very knowledgeable staff took my details and then provided me the quote. Works came in on price and on time, and I asked for help in selling the van. They arranged the whole deal including valeting the van, and had my money in the bank within a few weeks after a successful sale. I
would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone who are feeling let down by their own garage. They are an independently owned garage who genuinly wants to look after its customers hoping they will return, I certainly will.

Ian Logan - Local resident

Huge Thank You...

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A huge thank you to Terry and the team for the amazing job they did on our 11 year-old Motorhome - absolutely delighted with the results - looks like new!

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