Drive Belt Replacement

[stephen.robins]

I need some advice from the knowledgeable PCGB members.
I was contacted by my local OPC who told me that my 981 Boxster S is due a minor service next February. The car will be 12 years old next May and the last service was a major one in February 2023.
The minor service includes an oil change and brake fluid change. However, the OPC never mentioned the drive belt that was last changed in July 2019 when 6 years old. The service book states that it should be checked every four years but does not appear to state how often it should be changed. The car has only done 33k miles so the maintenance is not mileage related only time related.
Should I get the drive belt changed at the same time? If it is not expensive, I'm tempted to have it changed for piece of mind!
I will need the PDK serviced but they suggested leaving that until May 2025 when the car is 12 years old. It is under a Porsche warranty so I need to use the OPC.

 

[911hillclimber]

Just my 2 pence worth, but it is on your mind (correctly so imho) so get it done.
My 987.2/2009 is due a service soon and the belt will be done. It is at 85K miles.
It was last changed 5 years ago, about 30K miles ago I think.

Not worth the worry, have it done.

 

[LesGTS]

If l can add my two pennyworth, if I’ve read it right it does looks like your servicing has got out of sync in that the next May 25 service should be a major one.
The next drive belt check/ change was at 10 years or 100k miles so not so urgent mileage wise as it was previously replaced at 6 years, but you are where you are.
My suggestion is, before the 2 year service anniversary have the minor service by February 25, have them check the drive belt, carry out the pdk service and change the brake fluid at that time.
Hope this helps

 

[malarcy]

Belts cheap and easy to do - ask them for the difference in price and figure out if that cost is worth it for your peace of mind. My previous 987.2 had a fully stmaped service book but no indication of "optional" things like belt etc. I decided to have a catchup done (plugs, belt, brake fluid, pdk clutch fluid (it's 6 years on a 9872.2) - for me was worth the money for knowing things were "done"

One thing to note, when you do have a new belt it's not uncommmon for it to smell of "burning rubber" for a few 100 miles (both my cars have done this) - it's nothing to worry about.

 

[stephen.robins]

Belts cheap and easy to do - ask them for the difference in price and figure out if that cost is worth it for your peace of mind. My previous 987.2 had a fully stmaped service book but no indication of "optional" things like belt etc. I decided to have a catchup done (plugs, belt, brake fluid, pdk clutch fluid (it's 6 years on a 9872.2) - for me was worth the money for knowing things were "done"

One thing to note, when you do have a new belt it's not uncommmon for it to smell of "burning rubber" for a few 100 miles (both my cars have done this) - it's nothing to worry about.

Thanks for the advice. Looks like the belt is not expensive and worth changing every 6 years.

 

[stephen.robins]

If l can add my two pennyworth, if I’ve read it right it does looks like your servicing has got out of sync in that the next May 25 service should be a major one.
The next drive belt check/ change was at 10 years or 100k miles so not so urgent mileage wise as it was previously replaced at 6 years, but you are where you are.
My suggestion is, before the 2 year service anniversary have the minor service by February 25, have them check the drive belt, carry out the pdk service and change the brake fluid at that time.
Hope this helps

Well spotted. The car missed a service in 2021 so a major one was done in 2023 when the car was nearly 10 years old. I think the most expensive cost will be the pdk service but I understand that it is essential at 12 years old.