How much does it cost to change a wet belt on a Transit Custom?
The cost to change a wet belt on a Ford Transit Custom van can vary depending on several factors, but typically ranges from £50 to £150. This includes the cost of the replacement belt and the labor required to perform the repair.
What is a Wet Belt?
A wet belt, also known as a timing belt or cambelt, is a critical component in the engine of a Ford Transit Custom. It synchronizes the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves with the movement of the pistons, ensuring the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Over time, the wet belt can become worn or damaged, necessitating replacement to prevent potential engine failure.
Factors Affecting the Cost
The cost to change a wet belt on a Transit Custom can be influenced by several factors:
- Parts Cost: The replacement wet belt itself typically costs between £30 and £80, depending on the make and quality of the part.
- Labor Cost: The labor required to replace the wet belt can range from £20 to £70 per hour, depending on the mechanic's hourly rate and the complexity of the job.
- Location: The cost of the repair can vary depending on the geographic location, with repairs in urban areas generally being more expensive than in rural areas.
- Vehicle Condition: If the vehicle has additional issues or requires other repairs, the overall cost of the wet belt replacement may be higher.
It's important to note that the cost can also be influenced by the specific make, model, and year of the Ford Transit Custom, as well as the mechanic's expertise and the availability of parts.
When to Replace the Wet Belt
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the wet belt on a Ford Transit Custom every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first. Failure to replace the wet belt at the recommended intervals can lead to catastrophic engine damage, which can be significantly more expensive to repair.
If you notice any signs of wet belt wear, such as cracks, fraying, or excessive play, it's important to have the belt inspected and replaced as soon as possible to avoid potential engine failure.
How long does it take to change a wet belt?
Replacing this wet belt is an extremely labour-intensive job and requires a number of components to be renewed including gaskets, belts and various seals. It takes 2 days to renew this belt. Cost for replacing this belt will vary depending on what components are contaminated.
When should the wet belt be replaced on a transit custom?
“We would seriously advise motorists to replace Ford Transit van timing belts way before 100,000 miles, maybe 80,000 to 90,000 miles. It is a massive problem that can be avoided,” explained HallCraft boss James Hopcraft.
What is the problem with the wet belt on the Ford Transit Custom?
One of the primary symptoms of a failing wet timing belt in the Ford Transit engines is engine misfires. Drivers may notice the engine running unevenly or hesitating, especially during acceleration. This issue often stems from the belt's inability to maintain precise timing due to wear or oil contamination.
How to tell if a wet belt needs replacing?
Signs Your Wet Belt Needs Replacing
- Noises: you can expect to hear some squealing, grinding, ticking or rattling noises coming from your engine.
- Check Engine Light: the light may come on if there is a problem with the wet belt.
- Low Oil Pressure: if the oilways become blocked by debris, the oil pressure will drop.
How much does it cost to change a wet belt on a Ford Transit Custom?
How much does it cost to change a wet belt on a Ford Transit Custom? The average price of a wet belt replacement for a Ford Transit Custom is £900.
What happens when a wet belt fails?
Should the belt fail and a pulley rotates independently, engine pistons and valves are very likely to collide. The result is a ruined engine that may even be unrepairable. Most timing belts run dry and are positioned outside the engine crankcase, within a dedicated cover.
Are wet belts expensive to replace?
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.
Are Ford recalling wet belts?
The BBC's consumer show Watchdog has been reporting problems associated with Ford EcoBoost engines for a while now. Recently, in February 2024, Watchdog pointed out that Ford issued a recall notice in December 2023 for certain EcoBoost models, including older Ford Focuses, due to a problematic wet belt.
What is the life expectancy of a wet belt?
When to replace a wet timing belt. All manufacturers have different replacement intervals for wet timing belts. For example, Ford's recommended lifespan is 144,000 miles or 120 months, whereas Vauxhall recommend every 6 years or 60,000 miles – whichever comes first.
What mileage does a wet belt need changing?
100,000 miles
Many manufacturers recommend replacing wet belts at specific mileage intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles) or after a certain number of years (e.g., 6-10 years). However, real-world experience shows that wet belts often deteriorate long before the mileage limit is reached—even in cars that don't do high annual mileage.
