Author Topic: 120,000 miles fan belt failure (Read 4531 times)

smunley · « **on:** May 24, 2015, 03:04:35 PM »

Well my 120,000 mile 10 year old Jazz finally let me down this week. The fan belt snapped resulting in the car overheating. It was quickly fixed by a local garage for £60.
Does anyone know if there is a service interval for replacing the fan belt and am I likely to have done any damage having driven for 1/2 mile before realising what had happened?

culzean · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2015, 05:03:44 PM »

There isn't a recommended mileage but I replaced mine at 50K and when I went to Honda dealer at 100K to buy another parts manager said that they don't stock them, and all they do is inspect belt for cracking and fraying to decide if it needs replacing. (same with air filters really - if mechanic looks at yours come service time and decides it is not 'dirty enough' they may not replace it). He said he owned an Integra which still had original belt after 120K.

I would say that 10 years and 120K is a lot to expect from a drive belt and it looks as though you are second one on this forum in a week to have a belt snap on a Jazz 10 years or older. looks like 8 years or 100K would be prudent time to change the auxiliary belt. £60 is not a bad price for supply and fit, as the belt is about £40.

Unless engine boiled dry and the engine block spit back when you spit on it you may be lucky, but keep an eye on coolant level for a while and if radiator starts losing water the head gasket may have let go.

Ozzie · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2015, 08:39:13 PM »

I am thinking its an age related problem rather than a mileage issue, as I am sure I am still on the original fan belt.

guest4283 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2015, 09:47:46 AM »

Maintenance schedule suggests checking belt every 2 years, and replacing when belt is looking worn. Waiting for the belt to break runs the risk of damaging the battery, because the car electrics would be powered by the battery and not the alternator, leading to a deeply discharged battery within a short time.

culzean · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2015, 04:50:11 PM »

Quote from: Ozzie on May 24, 2015, 08:39:13 PM

I am thinking its an age related problem rather than a mileage issue, as I am sure I am still on the original fan belt.

You are right, bit of both really though, cam belts used to say 50/60,000 miles OR 5 years (whichever came first). but I don't know if I would go past 100K without replacing the belt

seem like risking a breakdown / engine damage for the small cost of a new belt.

guest5168 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2015, 10:51:22 PM »

got mine changed some 2years ago for like 20euros all-in ,since the guy at service said its about to snap and is worn.
again at age of ~10 years old.

Ozzie · « **Reply #6 on:** June 22, 2015, 09:07:12 AM »

I have just phoned Honda main dealer, they say that theres no planned change intervals, its just inspected and if its showing signs of wear it needs replacing, so as I thought I am still on the original one at 160,000 miles, I bet it needs changing on the next service though !