Ask an expert

3 years ago I had the cam belt replaced on my Mitsubishi Evo4 and the car has travelled about 60,000kms since.

The belt has now broken and caused serious damage to the engine.

Should this be a warranty issue for the people who fitted the replacement belt?

They said they bought the belt from a Mitsubishi dealership but it does not appear to be a genuine belt according to people I have asked.

I took the car back to the original service provider but they wanted to charge me to repair the car.

Do you have any advice?

Scott

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 5 November 2009

After 3 years and 60,000kms you have virtually no comeback on the previous repairer unless you can prove beyond any doubt that there was poor workmanship which has caused the failure.

The important point is to determine why the belt broke. Was it simply worn out or did something else happen to the engine which cause the failure?

For example, if the camshaft(s) were to 'nip' or seize for some reason it could easily cause the belt to break.

Has the engine been modified in any way which may have caused the belt to fail is another question that needs to be asked.

You could ask the original repairer which Mitsubishi dealer they purchased the belt from and ask them if the belt is an acceptable after market replacement supported by Mitsubishi NZ.

Get the motor checked out thoroughly to ensure there are no other reasons for the failure is my best advice at this stage.

With a high performance car like this you should always insist on using genuine parts only regardless of price, unless you can be convinced otherwise by the repairer.

You should also check Mitsubishi's recommended belt replacement period for this engine. It may well be around 60K.