any way to check timing belt wear?

[predator]

Is there any way to check externally if the timing belt is starting to wear excessively, and likely to kill your engine?

I have heard ticking and noises from the front of engines that have had it close to expiration. But is this always the case? Can hear nothing like this in my engine at the moment.

My car is on 98,000km, running fine, but i am treading on thing ice i know with the timing belt at this level. It needs replacing i know, but wondering whether it may be fine for another 1000km or so.

Guess I could pull the cover off, that is easy enough, although may as well get the whole thing done if I get to that point.

[Busky2k]

100,000km is just a rule of thumb. It wont 'snap' at any time soon. It would probably even last to 150,000km no problems, but its just alot more risky. Just change it whenever you can get around to it.

As with any belt wear, look for flays, cracks and any stress marks. Dont forget to look on the teeth side of the belt aswell, as cracks are much more likely to appear between teeth.