I current have 42K and 4 years on both my v-belts and timing belt. The v-belts are showing signs of age - cracking and discoloration. So they need to be replaced soon. It seems that I should also do the timing belt at the same time, since all the v-belts need to come off anyway.

I haven't taken a peak at the timing belt yet, but does this tend to age at the same rate as the v-belts? I know the belt has a recommended replacement interval of 50K, but I'm not sure if there is any "time to replacement" interval.

Do you guys tend to replace v-belts and timing belts at the same time?

Thanks

Having replaced my fiar share of broken OE timing belts, I can say with some certainty that the OE and like quality belts are GOOD for 120,000 to 130,000 miles, then *snap* and no more start. I have never seen an OE belt fail outside of this range, but it can happen, anything can.

I would MUCH rather replace things in a preventative manner than in a repair what broke emergency panic, so 60,000-75,000 miles seems reasonable for any good timing belt.
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JohnG 1989 245 MT @216,500

Thanks everyone. I will do both the v-belts and timing belt. I have ordered the belt plus the special tool. This will be my first timing belt job, so I will review the numerous how-to posts on the subject.

Aging seems to be about the same. Most of my 50k timing belts that I've pulled (the rare individual who actually services the part at 50k, these days) are very good. However, I say 5 years on the belt, and that's all. It does get old, dried out, and junky after a while, just like the V-belts.

You're on the right track replacing all of those things at the same time.
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a Brickboard.com Expat

I generally replace the V-belts when I do the t-belt. You're right, you have them off anyway so you might as well replace them. I don't know of any replacement of the t-belt based on time alone. If there was an oil leak getting oil on the t-belt, it would deteriorate sooner or a bad tensioner can cause the belt to wear and break. At 42K you are close enogh to the replacement mileage for your t-belt to go ahead and do the whole job. The t-belt job doesn't cost much if you are a DIY person.

there' s a lot here about timing belt replacement!!

seen the practical way it is oportune to change the timing and alt B at the same time, because the parts that need be loosened for the tim B includes these ones for the Vee B; so way complicate yourself (the V B costs only a few §)?
I did mina at 65 000 kms

Yes, I agree - it's sensible to do it as a precaution rather than risk waiting for it to break. No harm done, just that you'll need a tow home!
I do mine at the first convenient time after 40,000 miles.
Check the tensioner while you have the belt off. It should spin freely and virtually silently. I have simply oiled and cleaned them sometimes with good effect. The roller tends to pick up a rough rubber deposit, which it is a good idead to clean off.

A good tip I have read, it may even be in the book, is to wind the engine round a few times by hand with a spanner after refitting, to check that the belt is sitting squarely on the pulleys and not tending to wander off.

Also take the opportunity to check for oil leaks from the camshaft seal, and replace if doubtful.
And feel the water pump while the belts are off.