406oc.co.uk

The dreaded timing belt..

I recently got an old (20000 reg Peugeot 406 2 ltr estate off an old friend of mine.

Ive known him for 45 years.

like a lot of people hes feeling the pinch financially and also has a BMw estate and didn't want to have to roadtax two cars.

Its done 128000 miles and runs just fine, no corrosion on body work wheel arches etc.(plenty underneath though - rear silencer fell off other day and ive fixed that)

The only worrying problem is, as far as I can tell, its never had a timing belt change - ever !!! This makes me a bit nervous to drive it, Ive been quoted about £400 (don't have) to have it all done, belt, aux belt, waterpump, coolant /antifreeze includes labour and vat.

I'm well aware it should be done aSAp or sooner. But does anybody have any advice or experience of old cars and timing belts and how long they might last?!

Paul in Horley Surrey

Hi Paul & welcome to the site.

As I'm sure you realise, it's well overdue for changing - intervals vary between 72 & 100k, but they're all recommended a change every 5 years regardless of miles.

Unless I'm very much mistaken, no-one's going to tell you it'll be OK either.

Personally, I would DIY, timing belt kit about £60, aux belt £15-20, don't change the water pump unless it's rough or showing signs of leaking.

I always do the belt on a car i've just bought but like doggy says if it aint been done it's well over due, for peace of mind get it done i paid £59 for the kit plus £60 labour and i said to the mechanic check the pump while your in there and all was fine... £400 notes seems excessive to me though.

iknow someone whos just changed theres on a 2ltr petrol,
he rekond it was Awkward lack of room,

he paid over 150quid for belt tensioner and water pump, garage quoted him over 500 notes,

ive never changed one on the 2ltr petrols but from what ive seen it looks abit more of a challenge compared to the hdi/xud engines

Personally, I would disagree about the lack of space. My old Vectra had a similar size engine and the V6 was squeezed in there. I think there is plenty of space. My garage wanted about £300 for the cambelt kit changing, think the the kit is around £80-100.

Could always try the 'No Fear' method

(cutting old belt along its length and edging the new one on beside it).

You didn't hear it from me though and do not complain if it goes horribly wrong [/disclaimer]