I bought my 1999 NB 1.8iS in 2018 with 61k miles on the clock. I did much routine maintenance in the Autum of 2018 including changing the Cam Belt & Tensioners.
8 years on at 76K miles (15K in total) at approx 1.8K miles per year I’m wondering if another belt change is recommended given the Mazda service schedule?
Thoughts please.
Thanks
Regards - Nic
Firstly you have a non interference engine, so if the cam belt does snap it should not damage the rest of the engine.
Secondly when changing the cam belt and tensioner it is not unusual to change the waterpump at the same time and while looking at the pump think about replacing the waterpump inlet pipe.
In your shoes I’d not hesitate to change these items, always using OEM, rather than risk spoiling a sunny day with the roof down, but I am closer to doing 15k a year in mine.
I personally like changing timing belt, water pump and all associated seals and gaskets at the front of the engine(including the front main seal) every 80k miles. Will the belts last longer? Sure…but in your case, its not just mileage, its age. OEM parts are best, but I have also had good luck with Gates timing belts. Do make sure you tension it correctly, premature tensioner failure is a sure way to have a bad day.