Timing belt before or after Cape trip?

[holdon]

Im preparing for a trip to the cape next month and im not sure if I should do my timing belt before I go or not. I have a 2006 D4D with 138,000KMS and this is not due until 150,000kms. The question I have is have there been many cases of the original timing belts breaking early? Id hate for it to break while in the bush but if im justing the gun too much I would prefer to leave them until I get back. By the time I get back it will be at about 145,000kms (should be done soon after I know) but I would prefer to do the servicing as per the book kms as it will make it easier to keep track of for all future servicing. I know that a lot people do the water pump at this time too but when is it actually scheduled to be replaced? I dont plan on keeping the vehicle for much longer after 150,000 so would like to keep it all in line with the service book so the next owner knows what has and hasn’t been done and when etc.

Also, Is the timing belt tensioner also required to be replaced as part of the 150,000kms service or just noted to inspect and check?

[Qwerty]

think you answered your own question "d hate for it to break while in the bush"

I'd rather jump the gun a bit early, than have it go bang out bush.

[mattwhite]

I would just do the belt, tensioner and pulley now. Not worth the risk. And the water pump is only normally replaced when its leaking. You'd be very unlucky to have that go on your trip and even if it does you can still drive it, even if you need to keep adding water. Where as the belt is good or broken, no in-between.

[holdon]

cheers guys. I have been leaning towards just doing the belt now and leaving the waterpump also. The belt im more than happy to do myself but the water pump looks a little more involved and is $300.

[07luxyTD]

It probly woulndt hurt if you left the belt untill 150,000km. Like you said how many cases has there been of these letting go early (other then my friends barina). But then all the way up and back you have the worry of a timing belt letting go and ruining your trip and probly valves and pistons.

My mechanic did mine for $200. Didnt touch water pump. sold it with 170,000km and no dramas with it

[Alby]

think you answered your own question "d hate for it to break while in the bush"

I'd rather jump the gun a bit early, than have it go bang out bush.

X 2
Just do it and save yourself the potential heartache and big $$$$
You have to do it and pay for it anyway the only difference is now or in a couple of months time
My waterpump died at 120 or 130k, can't remember but I did timing belt at the same time