Expert Ford Transit & Commercial Vehicle Specialists – Mobile Repairs & Maintenance

At The Van Doctor, our team consists of highly skilled Ford Transit specialists, fully mobile and equipped to handle all your commercial vehicle repair and maintenance needs. With years of hands-on experience in Ford commercial vehicle repairs, our technicians are not only extensively trained but also deeply committed to delivering high-quality workmanship.

We specialize in detailed diagnostics and essential maintenance, including Ford wet belt replacements—covering models like Transit wet belt, Fiesta wet belt, Focus wet belt, and the 1.0 litre wet belt. Whether it’s timing belts, brakes, clutches, suspension, or advanced vehicle diagnostics, we provide expert service to keep your vehicle running at its best.

Operating across England and Scotland, our Mobile Service Vehicles bring the workshop to your location, minimizing downtime and maximizing convenience. Our services include Vehicle Health Checks (VHCs) to ensure you stay informed about your vehicle’s condition.

As Ford specialists, we cater to the entire Ford commercial vehicle range, including Transit, Custom, Connect, Ranger, Courier, and Fiesta. Whether you require a Ford wet belt replacement, engine diagnostics, or routine servicing, The Van Doctor is your trusted partner in keeping your commercial vehicle in peak condition.

Why Regular Wet Belt Maintenance is Crucial for Your Ford Vehicle

Ford’s wet belt system plays a critical role in ensuring smooth engine operation, but over time, wear and tear can lead to costly failures if not properly maintained. Replacing your Transit wet belt, Fiesta wet belt, or Focus wet belt at the recommended intervals can prevent engine damage, improve efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. At The Van Doctor, we use genuine Ford parts and advanced diagnostic tools to guarantee your van or car remains roadworthy and reliable. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your wet belt inspection or replacement today to keep your Ford running efficiently.

What is the “wet belt”? The 2.0 Panther engine is the motor inside of a 2016 onwards Transit and Transit Custom, and also the 2.0 Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo. The design and setup of the 2.0 Panther engine’s timing system involve what is known as a “wet belt.” The belt runs in engine oil and connects the engine’s camshafts to the crankshaft via an idler gear, which also connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the crankshaft.

The setup of the timing on the engine is significant to ensure correct operation, as these engines are interference engines, which means when not timed up correctly, or if said belt snaps, catastrophic engine failure occurs.
Ford states the wet belt should be replaced at 100k miles. However, from years of experience working for Ford and completing hundreds of wet belt and engine replacements (due to snapped belts), we recommend the belt be replaced at 60k miles.

There is a well-known recall for this engine by Ford, that being “20b44 Timing Belt Inspection,” and you will be very lucky if your vehicle is on the recall list, as not ALL 2.0 Panther engines are being recalled. If you are one of the lucky ones and they condemn the vehicle for a belt replacement, it may pay you to ask for additional parts to be fitted for a fee while the engine is stripped – keep reading…
The Ford 20b44 Timing Belt Inspection recall requires the technician to remove the oil cap housing and inspect the belt via the oil fill hole. If the vehicle requires a belt, they should also replace the belt tensioner, CHECK the oil strainer (This is what filters the oil as it’s sucked up into the engine’s oil galleries just before it hits the oil filter) and also the sump pan (The bottom of the engine where the oil sits), and they will also replace the engine oil and oil filter. HOWEVER, the oil pump belt does NOT get touched as part of the recall. Again, this is a rubber belt that is run in oil, and if this were to snap too, the oil pump would stop turning, starving the engine of oil, causing your engine to seize!

We have seen engines fail as low as 23K miles due to wet belt failure. If you’re reading this and you have a 2.0 Transit/Custom, and you are unsure at all about any of the above, take our advice and consider our experience with the 2.0 Panther engine, and give us a call!

The Van Doctor Full Timing Belt Service
Parts replaced and Price
Parts Replaced:
Timing Belt
Timing Belt Tensioner
Timing Cover
Crank Shaft Oil Seal
Oil Pump Belt
Oil Strainer
Sump Pan
Water Pump Stretch Belt
5 x Engine Mount Stretch Bolts
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Crankshaft Bolt
Water Jacket Bleed Bold
Coolant
Cleaning of Engine Mounts
VHC

The price for all parts supplied and fitted is £1150.00.

We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and Glasgow, our travel fee of £1.50 per mile is charged one way from Newcastle upon Tyne, or Glasgow (whichever is closest) to your postcode. We travel anywhere in the UK for this timing belt service.

For a quick response, get in touch via WhatsApp 0191 468 2740 for any further questions.