The FORD 998cc Eco boost wet belt (cam belt) is scheduled for its replacement every 10 years but unfortunately, we are seeing them deteriorate far sooner than their scheduled renewal times.
Early warning signs that your belt requires replacing is that the oil light may come on in-between servicing. This is due to the rubber particles from the belt breaking up and blocking up the oil strainer and oil feeder components. If this happens then the particles eventually work themselves into the engine sump and then around the oil system blocking other components.
If this is not addressed quickly then it can lead to a disastrous engine failure.
These engines are fitted to Ford Fiestas, Focus, Ranger, Transit vans and B-max from around 2012 so they are all coming up for renewal from that age onwards. We advise, irrespective of mileage, that they are replace 6 – 8 years maximum.
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.
The following components are replaced as part of this job – this may vary depending on what we find when the belt is removed
Timing belt (wet belt) kit, oil pump drive belt, engine oil and oil filter, auxiliary drive belt, crank shaft oil seal, various seals and gaskets
If you employ a garage to carry out a wet belt renewal and they do not replace all these components you will have on going problems with the oil strainer picking up debris. So please do call us and we will happily advise you of the reasons why the items must be replaced
Occasionally, and due to oil starvation or oil deterioration, the turbo requires replacing. This happens in about 50% of the wet belts that we replace. If the turbo is in poor condition you cannot continue with the job until the turbo is replaced.
This shows the oil strainer blocked with rubber/metal debris
A deteriorated wet belt. The rubber/metal debris blocks up the oil strainer shown in the first picture