Timing belt surface worn in stripes

[triplemaya]

Hope this is the right section. Seems like a generic question. The car in question is a cabriolet mk 3.5 year 2000 engine 1984cc
Took the cover off to check on the timing belt - just got the car.
There is a strip up the middle about 1/5th the width which looks like new with the yellow printing all clear and nice. Either side the belt is worn down slightly. The tooth side looks perfect, no fraying or anything. Is this a panic immediately situation or a fairly standard occurrence?
Car has 77,000 on the clock so this could be the original belt doing well or a recent replacement.

[lemski]

Should be on its second belt due to age. Have you got service history?
A picture might help. If a car comes in with no history with a cambelt done i work it out with closest mileage qise or age .
For example if it shohld be done every 60k and its on 100k. Id assume ita had a belt but check for cracks in the rubber and change it.
Hope this makes sence

[triplemaya]

Thanks. Will get a picture organised.
I was promised the history but it never materialised. But the mot records support the mileage and it 'looks right' - I have had a lot of cars through my hands!

[triplemaya]

Here are some pictures of the timing belt. Any advice gratefully received!

[rallye_golf]

I would say that is due a change. Possibly the tensioner pulley bearings are on the way out and the belt is 'slipping' on it?
The tensioner pulley has a groove in the middle corresponding to the one on your belt.

[bgbazz]

I have to agree with all of the above and I would be changing and checking as a matter of priority.

 

[lemski]

Id be changing it

[madmanmart]

That looks well used.

[triplemaya]

Thank you everybody. The verdict is clear. Overalls on.

[gazareth]

if in doubt, lob it out . they are so cheap, it would be unwise not to change it .