Timing Belt rubbing through the casing 1998 T5 C70

acfviola · Post by **acfviola** » 21 Mar 2026, 02:31

Hi all, my C70’s timing belt has started rubbing through the plastic casing around it (photos attached) What could possibly cause this? I can’t even think of where to start and it has just started happening out nowhere within my most recent drive. I checked my engine bay before I left with no issues. any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Mar 2026, 02:50

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR!! The belt can break and cause engine damage.

You can remove the top section with a small 10mm socket and remove the bolt about 5-6" down on the front on the cover and slightly countersunk.

As to what is causing the belt to work its way out that far I don't know other than one of the pulleys has a failing bearing allowing the belt to move outward.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Mar 2026, 05:50

This happened to me when the timing belt tensioner failed. It wore through the plastic, jumped off the pulley, and killed the cylinder head.

Repeating…DO NOT START THE ENGINE !

Post by **cuhfs** » 24 Mar 2026, 20:18

Scot850 and Abscate = wise men saying "DO NOT START OR DRIVE YOUR CAR".

I hope the OP reads and heeds your advice.
I've seen that movie.

acfviola · Post by **acfviola** » 29 Mar 2026, 08:10

Thank you for the replies all; for the record, definitely did not start my car again, would have been an absolute disaster if I did. Abscate was correct, timing belt tensioner had failed terribly, was a few mm from losing my belt completely and engine going kaput forever. In the process of replacing and changing belt now…

Post by **abscate** » 30 Mar 2026, 04:35

Nice save. You have done “ very good work”