02 SVT Timing Belt service interval - The Ford Focus Forum

**skicat** · 11-05-2009, 03:15 PM

What is recommended replacement mileage for 02 SVT timing belt? Can't find it in OEM Maintenance Guide. Thanx for yr help.

**6spd_RS** · 11-05-2009, 06:27 PM

If you had searched you would find there are multiple pages of threads dealing with this very question.

Generally around the 100k mark, though some suggest that 70-85k is more realistic and much safer.

**skicat** · 11-05-2009, 06:38 PM

Thank u. I did a search "timing belt service" and got lots of threads, none of which discussed mileage. If this is such common knowledge, why isn't it in the maintenance guide?

**shlbygt** · 11-05-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skicat

Thank u. I did a search "timing belt service" and got lots of threads, none of which discussed mileage. If this is such common knowledge, why isn't it in the maintenance guide?

Page 39 in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for 2004 Model Year Fords:
120,000 Miles
Replace camshaft belt on all 2.0L, 4 cylinder
engines (Focus).

**svtf02red** · 11-05-2009, 09:00 PM

50k - mine crapped out at 56k. My methodology on this one is to figure out how many people are losing timing belts at what mileage and age - if your car is above what you find to be the lowest mileage failures in your research, then change it.

It's way easier and cheaper to replace your timing belt than do a full engine rebuild

**carlingskie** · 11-06-2009, 12:31 AM

I changed mine at 100K. But most shops will recommend it replaced every 75K.

**lildudeinacar** · 11-06-2009, 12:59 AM

i agree with SVT red, and his signature makes me laugh

**SVTFucus** · 11-06-2009, 05:10 PM

Did mine at 106K miles...guess I was a lucky one

**CT SVT** · 11-06-2009, 06:35 PM

if your asking when to change it. them its time to do it now before something bad happenes. did mine at 76k right before i got boosted. its very easy to do if you have some engine stills. if not them get a good shop or a dealer to do it. it has to be timed perfect or you'll get a over advance code.

**nvmaddog** · 11-06-2009, 10:58 PM

Definitely get it changed around 100K or so. I recently did mine, (94K) the belt was in decent shape but it still needs to be done. Went ahead and did the tensioner as well because you need to remove it anyway. Water pump is not a neccessity unless it is leaking. Make sure you do not torque the top two sprokets or you will have trouble with setting the timing correctly. Follow the shop procedure as outlined in the pdf on this site...

**Zoomer69** · 11-07-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvmaddog

Water pump is not a neccessity unless it is leaking.

I strongly disagree. You have to go through all this again to do the water pump. The water pump's lifespan is roughly the same as the timing belt. Better to do it while you have the Focus apart already, so you're not taking it apart again in 20,000 miles to fix the water pump.

**bullitt042001** · 11-07-2009, 04:00 PM

Mine it's about 74k and I'm looking into changing mine as well,an Acura tech told me that I have to replace the water pump as well,and I could get the tensioner as well but it was not nessesary unless it was making noise,but I'm replacing all of it,so yeah replace the water pump.

**6spd_RS** · 11-07-2009, 04:12 PM

This (,) does not equal this (.)

And agreed, if you are going through the trouble of taking all these apart just to do the belt, why not just replace them as well? They are wear items and will need to replaced at some point, what better time then when you can get to them.

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 11-07-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shlbygt

Page 39 in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for 2004 Model Year Fords:
120,000 Miles
Replace camshaft belt on all 2.0L, 4 cylinder
engines (Focus).

The 120k is for NON-SVT Zetecs which are non-interference engines.

I did my SVT at 90k and the belt was pretty badly cracked, I would NOT suggest going over 90k on an SVT.

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 11-07-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoomer69

I strongly disagree. You have to go through all this again to do the water pump. The water pump's lifespan is roughly the same as the timing belt. Better to do it while you have the Focus apart already, so you're not taking it apart again in 20,000 miles to fix the water pump.

Incorrect, the SVT/Zetec water pump is right out in the open and does NOT require removal of anything other than the accessory belt to gain access to the pump.

**blackbird** · 11-08-2009, 09:09 AM

While the water pump can be done later (vice other cars that should be done at the same time because they have a timing belt driven water pump, unlike the Zetec), I'd personally replace it while you're in the area. Even if you decide to skip the water pump I'd highly recommend replacing the timing belt tensioner/idler when you do the belt. Many times the bearings will start to go out and that can cause the belt to wear incorrectly or break prematurely. If this was a non-interference engine meaning the belt could break and the valves wouldn't hit the pistons... I'd still recommend replacing them. Better safe than stranded and sorry, and in the case of the SVT, with a big repair bill.

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 11-08-2009, 10:48 AM

The basic must do list when you do the timing belt is as follows,

Timing belt
Timing tensioner
Timing idler
Valve cover gasket

Anything else is completely optional, Even the VC gasket is optional if you've replaced it recently or don't mind running the risk of a leak by reusing an old one.

If expense isn't an issue then you could certainly do the water pump at the same time but it's a very simple job to do later if it fails farther on down the road.

**Citius** · 11-09-2009, 01:34 PM

Well, replace your timing belt sooner than I did. My car is in the shop completely torn apart with 8 broken exhaust valves, bashed up pistons, and a badly damaged head. My belt lasted exactly 136,247 miles...and then it broke. And now I'm broke. I'm an idiot for not paying attention to it.

Anyone know where to get a good used SVT engine?

**nvmaddog** · 11-13-2009, 02:41 AM

Thanks for the back up on that one Steve. The water pump is such a simple job I didn't see putting the extra $100 plus in parts just to fix something that wasn't broken...

**venomrogue** · 11-13-2009, 12:03 PM

just a random question....

would a JRSC installed on the car cause any extra labor for the timing belt replacement? I dont really see anything that might get in the way, but I dont want a shop (yes, i am going to pay someone to do it) giving me any **** about having the blower on the car.

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 11-13-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venomrogue

just a random question....

would a JRSC installed on the car cause any extra labor for the timing belt replacement? I dont really see anything that might get in the way, but I dont want a shop (yes, i am going to pay someone to do it) giving me any **** about having the blower on the car.

I don't see how it could, the blower is behind the engine.

Shouldn't make any difference.

**venomrogue** · 11-13-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

I don't see how it could, the blower is behind the engine.

Shouldn't make any difference.

Thats what I figured....but, then again, it would be the first time that they say "OMG it has a blower, we cant work on it (or it will be this much more...)"

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 11-13-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venomrogue

Thats what I figured....but, then again, it would be the first time that they say "OMG it has a blower, we cant work on it (or it will be this much more...)"

If you're really concerned then you should just ship the blower to me for safe keeping and I'll send you all the stock stuff so you can get the work done

**bmylez** · 11-13-2009, 06:46 PM

Steve, that's like the 5th time I've seen you try to get a free S/C

. When I'm boosted I don't want any unwanted advances towards it, lol.

**venomrogue** · 11-14-2009, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

If you're really concerned then you should just ship the blower to me for safe keeping and I'll send you all the stock stuff so you can get the work done

you had a chance at my OTHER blower

we could have worked out a little parts trade, im sure.

11-05-2009, 03:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
skicat Rookie Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 15	02 SVT Timing Belt service interval What is recommended replacement mileage for 02 SVT timing belt? Can't find it in OEM Maintenance Guide. Thanx for yr help.

11-05-2009, 06:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
6spd_RS Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kettering, Ohio Posts: 1,131	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval If you had searched you would find there are multiple pages of threads dealing with this very question. Generally around the 100k mark, though some suggest that 70-85k is more realistic and much safer. __________________ Sonic Blue SVT - #85 Build-day: 03-06-02- "MOST cars are really nothing special, as a matter of fact, which is why many people buy them." -OmniFocus "The other problem is, the average person is just **ing stupid."-Duckman Flickr Gallery [Defend Net Neutrality Click Here][Fight the RIAA]** Last edited by 6spd_RS; 11-05-2009 at 08:35 PM.

11-05-2009, 06:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
skicat Rookie Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 15	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Thank u. I did a search "timing belt service" and got lots of threads, none of which discussed mileage. If this is such common knowledge, why isn't it in the maintenance guide?

11-05-2009, 09:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
svtf02red Wilted Cucumber Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Roseville, California Posts: 1,318	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval 50k - mine crapped out at 56k. My methodology on this one is to figure out how many people are losing timing belts at what mileage and age - if your car is above what you find to be the lowest mileage failures in your research, then change it. It's way easier and cheaper to replace your timing belt than do a full engine rebuild __________________ Good thing the GTI runs good - the SVT has valve stems laying in cylinder #3...

11-06-2009, 12:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
carlingskie TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 860	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval I changed mine at 100K. But most shops will recommend it replaced every 75K. __________________ 2002 RED SVT Focus: *#3279 of 4288* "Race Track ready, girlfriend friendly."

11-06-2009, 12:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
lildudeinacar Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 63	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval i agree with SVT red, and his signature makes me laugh

11-06-2009, 05:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
SVTFucus TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 126	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Did mine at 106K miles...guess I was a lucky one __________________ 2002 Black SVT Focus 2853 of 4478 - Daily Driven with 128K and counting miles.... 1997 White SVT Mustang Cobra 4408 of 6761 - Weekend/Track Toy with 98K miles

11-06-2009, 06:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
CT SVT TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Britain, CT Posts: 801	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval if your asking when to change it. them its time to do it now before something bad happenes. did mine at 76k right before i got boosted. its very easy to do if you have some engine stills. if not them get a good shop or a dealer to do it. it has to be timed perfect or you'll get a over advance code. __________________ 02 Infra Red SVTF (Nirvash)

11-06-2009, 10:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
nvmaddog Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 36	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Definitely get it changed around 100K or so. I recently did mine, (94K) the belt was in decent shape but it still needs to be done. Went ahead and did the tensioner as well because you need to remove it anyway. Water pump is not a neccessity unless it is leaking. Make sure you do not torque the top two sprokets or you will have trouble with setting the timing correctly. Follow the shop procedure as outlined in the pdf on this site... __________________ good thing the SRT8 runs good, the SVT costs more than I can afford to fix...

11-07-2009, 04:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
bullitt042001 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: ARLINGTON TX Posts: 100	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Mine it's about 74k and I'm looking into changing mine as well,an Acura tech told me that I have to replace the water pump as well,and I could get the tensioner as well but it was not nessesary unless it was making noise,but I'm replacing all of it,so yeah replace the water pump. __________________ 2002 SVT focus

11-07-2009, 04:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
6spd_RS Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kettering, Ohio Posts: 1,131	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval This (,) does not equal this (.) And agreed, if you are going through the trouble of taking all these apart just to do the belt, why not just replace them as well? They are wear items and will need to replaced at some point, what better time then when you can get to them. __________________ Sonic Blue SVT - #85 Build-day: 03-06-02- "MOST cars are really nothing special, as a matter of fact, which is why many people buy them." -OmniFocus "The other problem is, the average person is just **ing stupid."-Duckman Flickr Gallery [Defend Net Neutrality Click Here][Fight the RIAA]**

11-08-2009, 09:09 AM	#16 (permalink)
blackbird Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: SoCal (High Desert) Posts: 1,349	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval While the water pump can be done later (vice other cars that should be done at the same time because they have a timing belt driven water pump, unlike the Zetec), I'd personally replace it while you're in the area. Even if you decide to skip the water pump I'd highly recommend replacing the timing belt tensioner/idler when you do the belt. Many times the bearings will start to go out and that can cause the belt to wear incorrectly or break prematurely. If this was a non-interference engine meaning the belt could break and the valves wouldn't hit the pistons... I'd still recommend replacing them. Better safe than stranded and sorry, and in the case of the SVT, with a big repair bill. __________________ Eric H. '04 SVTF (Screaming Yellow/EAP ZX3) - '02 SVTF (CD Silver - Vortech-equipped) '92 Dodge Daytona IROC R/T - '81 & '85 Chevy Citation X-11 - '93 Olds Achieva SCX W41 (x2) plus a Cobalt, a Neon, and a bunch of other stuff...

11-08-2009, 10:48 AM	#17 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,240	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval The basic must do list when you do the timing belt is as follows, Timing belt Timing tensioner Timing idler Valve cover gasket Anything else is completely optional, Even the VC gasket is optional if you've replaced it recently or don't mind running the risk of a leak by reusing an old one. If expense isn't an issue then you could certainly do the water pump at the same time but it's a very simple job to do later if it fails farther on down the road. __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , custom CAI , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, K-W springs, FRPP UDP, Screamin Demon coil, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

11-09-2009, 01:34 PM	#18 (permalink)
Citius TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 157	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Well, replace your timing belt sooner than I did. My car is in the shop completely torn apart with 8 broken exhaust valves, bashed up pistons, and a badly damaged head. My belt lasted exactly 136,247 miles...and then it broke. And now I'm broke. I'm an idiot for not paying attention to it. Anyone know where to get a good used SVT engine? __________________ Don't bother me, I'm driving. 2002 SVT Focus #57 of 4788

11-13-2009, 02:41 AM	#19 (permalink)
nvmaddog Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 36	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Thanks for the back up on that one Steve. The water pump is such a simple job I didn't see putting the extra $100 plus in parts just to fix something that wasn't broken... __________________ good thing the SRT8 runs good, the SVT costs more than I can afford to fix...

11-13-2009, 12:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
venomrogue Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,275	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval just a random question.... would a JRSC installed on the car cause any extra labor for the timing belt replacement? I dont really see anything that might get in the way, but I dont want a shop (yes, i am going to pay someone to do it) giving me any **** about having the blower on the car. __________________ Old and Busted: 2002 Fully built Powerworks ZX3 New Hotness: 2004 Comp Orange JRSC SVT As well as TWO 2002 Red SVT's Parts by Karl @ Massive Speed System (www.massivespeedsystem.com) Tuning and porting by Mark @ Skidmark Racing (turbof150.com)

11-13-2009, 06:46 PM	#24 (permalink)
bmylez Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lackland AFB, TX Posts: 1,922	Re: 02 SVT Timing Belt service interval Steve, that's like the 5th time I've seen you try to get a free S/C . When I'm boosted I don't want any unwanted advances towards it, lol. __________________ 2002 SVTF: custom cams, Thunderbolt HFC, HKS exhaust, etc. SBC stg 3 + Torsen LSD = :-D Aaron @ English Racing - "I can't remember the last time I was impressed by a Ford, but I was impressed by yours."

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