You cannot tell by looking at it. For this reason it must be changed at a set time period of miles or years. Without knowing the make, model, engine, & year I cannot tell you when it should be changed. Warning: If the engine is an interference engine and the belt breaks you will have internal engine damage.
its a belt and my dealer couldn't tell me when it needs to be changed, so off to another dealer who said its at 100,000miles but get the tension units changed.
You will have no symptoms that it needs to be changed. Also looking at it will not tell you whether it needs to be changed or not as it may look good and be ready to break. For this reason timing belts are required to be changed at a set mileage or years interval. Referred to your owners manual as to the maintenance schedule on the timing belt. It varies with manufacturer from 60,000 miles 110,000 miles.
For Camry 1997-2001, the timing belt must be replaced each 90000 miles.
ive got a 2006 focus diesel can you tell me if its got a timing belt
how can you tell if a timing belt is bad
you can not tell if the belt has been changed or not if not 100% get it changed its a fraction of the cost compared to a full cylneder head rebiled.
You can't and that is why they are replaced at a set mileage as outlined in your owners manual.
Look for a mileage schedule in the maintenance section of the owners manual.
Timing chains usually do not need to be changed until an engine needs to be overhauled. You may need to change it if it makes a weird noise, other than that you should be fine.
That's the 2.6 Mitsubishi right? It has a chain...
If the engine runs at all, the timing belt is not "broke."
Sometimes you can tell if you take the cover off but if you are alredy there you can replace it. Get a manual on your car to find out how to do it.