Timing Belt life, under 10k miles over 7-10 years

[Sliderisk]

So here is my problem, I know I need to do a timing belt ASAP but I'm not sure if I need to stop driving the car immediately. The reason I need to do the belt is because I have no proof of when it was last done. I have a ton of evidence but no receipt or even label on the belt cover.

Here's what I know:

Behr Radiator has an install sticker of 2007, all hoses appear to be of the same age.

Carfax shows dealership service in 2004 at 96k miles, "maintenance inspection completed". The car currently has 106k on working odo, 10k miles in 10 years and the car was always parked in a heated garage..

My rationale is that this belt was done 7-10 years ago and has 10k or less miles on it. The previous owner swore up and down that the belt was done at 100k "a few years ago", which for an 88 y/o lady could easily be ten years.....

With a stated service interval of 2 years I know I need to do this belt, and I will. But what do you guys think of a Timing Belt's life span when it is regularly driven low miles and kept in a climate controlled environment?

Speculation is welcome! I want some opinions on ever starting this car again before I get a belt in there. Thanks!

[13bpower]

Replace it.

[jeffnhiscars]

According to a Sr Engineer from Conti, belts age as much from time as from miles...and the recommended interval is 4yr/50k

[Benjamin_Button]

If you're not sure replace it. But if you like to gamble go for it... Just don't complain when it takes your whole engine

[Sliderisk]

Two people for Fix it now. Any experiences with known old age belts?

[Sliderisk]

Make that three!

[rhE-30]

Threads started by people with old timing belts.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=281905

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=232875

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=59525

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246042

[jprastrullo]

Just replace it, what's stopping you? I'd rather have the peace of mind than paranoia that my belt is gonna snap, and cause thousands in damage.

[Northern]

how cheap do you have to be to try to not replace a timing belt that's at twice its replacement interval?

[Sliderisk]

It's not cheapness, at every point in this discussion I have stated that I am doing the timing belt. My question was an attempt to get some opinions and anecdotes about the belt's longevity past the stated service interval.

So to answer you directly; much cheaper than I am.

[estoguy]

Replace it.

[Sean S.]

From old thread cited above ... sage advice!

Exactly the reason why if you dont know for sure when it was last done, you do it anyways.

Climate controlled environment or not, if it has been a day over 4yrs or 50,001 miles since the belt was last replaced, you are flirting with disaster! Stop driving the car? Personally, I wouldn't even turn it over.

Replace belt immediately!

[KIRIEIW]

I drove a car 100 miles home on a 10 year timing belt. When I got in there and replaced it, the belt had cracks in it. Honestly surprised it didn't crack but I took the gamble. Car was parked and not driven one it made it home.

[13bpower]

let it ride...

[15Michaeljoseph]

Replace that ish! It's not worth the damage! Get it done ASAP