1998 ford escort

i recently had my water pump replaced, i drove my car maybe twenty miles and then it died. After inspecting i found that the timing belt broke . is the mechanic responsible for this, or who is at fault here?

Post edited by: caaron989, at: 2008/09/22 13:17

timming belt on escort should have been changed at least twice.with in 85 thousand miles.this is a mazada 262 this engine is hard on timming belts.the water pump and belt should be changed at the same time.if mechanic put on a new belt and over tighten then he did not follow fords belt install preceedure then if he is any kind of a business man would make adjustments.belt setup is critical on this engine can cause internal damage to valve and pistion if so new engine is in order.

the old belt is soaked in coolant when pump leaked antifreeze damages a rubber belt.this mistake is made over and over many garages they do not enclude the belt. its a given especially on a mazada. change pump and belt as a kit included in estimate is recommended.