Fan belt snapped after 16k?

**averdigi** · 12th September 2009, 00:12

Chaps,

Have a Signum 3.0CDTi , currently done 92K , had the fan belt changed by a main dealer at the last service. 18 months ago , has done 16K miles since. Flat battery tongiht, turns out the fan belt has snapped.

1. Possible for a new belt to snap after only 16k?
2. Or dealer didn't actually change it despite charging for the pleasure?

Any comeback on the dealer?

Good to know some thoughts before I call them on monday.

Tony.

**chrisvectra** · 12th September 2009, 08:49

the fan belt snapped??? they dont break at 16k

**averdigi** · 12th September 2009, 09:57

Yup snapped, it is an ex fan belt, no longer attached to the car

**simplesi** · 12th September 2009, 19:33

think youve been had mate or they didnt fit it properly

**wickedwillie** · 12th September 2009, 19:43

Yes fan belts can snap, even at 16k miles. Anything made of rubber can snap. Most unusual though at that mileage. If its within the 12 month period of fitment, should be replaced FOC.

**John LE** · 12th September 2009, 20:44

Dodgy tensioner??

**averdigi** · 13th September 2009, 15:23

Update.

Found the belt dangling under the car, seems fine and fairly new. So was replaced.
So what could cause it to completely come off? Loosely fitted or some other failure?

**Diet1985** · 13th September 2009, 15:37

I would still go back to the garage...
I think you might be coveredunder.... it must last a reasonable amount of time lark under the selling regulations

**m8internet** · 13th September 2009, 16:49

As it is 18 months old you would need to prove it had failed, but that would cover only the part
Is it still complete or had it snapped
If it is still complete, then it needs to be ascertained why it came loose
However, it has snapped then it you have the required proof for a reasonable claim
They may reject it, in which case you would pay for the repair then commence proceedings under EU directive 1999/44/EC
However, I'd need to check what goods this actually covers

**averdigi** · 7th December 2009, 00:44

Just an update on this in case the same thing happens to others.

Fault was traced to the overrunning pulley on the alternator. It somehow locked and unwound off the pulley shaft twice. Pulley was replaced and all has been fine since. Seems the pulley is a "wearing" part according to other posts on the web.

First took it to local mechanic who was very confused at the pulley not having a locking nut to keep it on the alternator.