Timing Belt Clinic 2015 FORD MONDEO Mk5 2.0 TDCi

Shortcuts are often frowned upon when it comes to vehicle repairs, arguing that potential problems should be avoided at all costs, so there’s no benefit in saving a few minutes. However, in many cases, the motor trade doesn’t see it that way because the quickest methods can equate to bonuses and extra profit. Providing the repair is safe, successful and problems don’t arise, what’s the issue?

We were faced with such a dilemma when we followed our local garage, MJ Motors, complete a timing belt and water pump replacement on their own 2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi. The official method of replacing the timing belt requires the starter motor to be removed to be able to fit a couple of flywheel locking tools to ensure the crankshaft doesn’t move. At the top of the engine, the exhaust camshaft is locked with an 8mm-diameter rod. MJ Motors explained they don’t fit any locking tools to the flywheel, but instead, paint-mark the position of the old timing belt against the crankshaft timing cog and camshaft pulley, then transfer those paint marks onto the new belt (counting