Cam belt change?

[sockpuppet]

my 406 (03 plate) is almost at 83k on its original cambelt. my mechanic friend told me its to be changed at 90k, but to probably get it done sooner rather than later. would you say now is the right time to do it? and also, how much can i expect to pay for one?

[Doggy]

I'd look at it this way - if you're going to keep the car beyond the change interval, (96K IIRC), but not long enough to do it twice, there is no advantage in delaying it. The sooner you do it the sooner you avoid the (very slight) risk of failure.

I've only ever done my own, so don't really know how much it should cost.

[sockpuppet]

ive heard stuff about having the water pump changed at the same time, can you enlighten me to this or is it just nonsense?

[rwb]

The book says 10 years or 100k.

I made the dealer do mine -- and the pulleys -- at 83k when I got the car. I plan having it done again at about 180k, which will be just before my next MOT in 12 months time.

I will ask my mechanic about the water pump when I go for the cambelt doing. The logic is as follows: the water pump is driven off the cambelt, so if the water pump seizes then it throws off the cambelt.

I reckon about £500 for the whole job. Does this sound right?

[sockpuppet]

my mate has an engine hoist so he says hes doing it for free, so its really just the parts

[Springnuts]

Good mate!

[gumby6371]

The water pump change is a good idea, they aren't very expensive and you need to strip the cam belt to change them so it makes sense to have it done at the same time. If you're not paying garage prices then it's even more reason to do it as you'll already be saving a couple of hundred quid.

[Welly]

It's not 10 years, it's every 96,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first) so yours is 2 years over due

[ZolKa]

Hi there!

First I appogize for my poor English.

I have W reg. 406 HDi 110hp.
I've changed the cam belt 1000 miles ago. I took off today the cambelt cover for check the belt for be on the safe side. The belt is running on the right way but the print on the belt rubbed. I tried to turn the belt and i could turn aprox. 70 degrees. Is not too tight the belt?

How can i set up the belt tension properly.

Than you for help

Zoltan

[jasper5]

Welcome Zolta
Firstly, set up the timing marks, mark the position of the pulleys with paint, place a 16mm spanner onto the cam pulley bolt and gently tap the spanner to the left with your hand until tension is on the pump side of the belt. Do not have the camshaft timing pin in position (that is why you must mark the pulleys with paint.)
Try to turn the tensioner pulley with your hand, if it will not turn, it is too tight, if it turns with mild resistance it is fine, if the pulley turns easily, it is not tight enough.
Turn the engine 2 turns and repeat the check.

[ZolKa]

Thank you for help!

I'll check itt tomorrow.

One more thing:
Should i set up the timing positons after the slacken the timing belt? So will the timing get wong way after slacken a bit?

Thx:

Zoltan

[jasper5]

Set up the timing before you slacken the tensioner, be sure to mark the position of all the pulleys.