3.0 TiD Cambelt Intervals

[slippery]

Anyone know when a belt change is needed on the above? Cheers.

[John D9395]

Cam belt change due at 108K.

Labor isn't too bad, less than 2 hours, but the belt is £200+ and My local Saab dealer has recomended that the tensioner is changed which is also £200+

I use a small local garage for service, but as it is less that 2 hrs labor and the main cost been in the parts, I am tempted to use Saab.

My car will click over the 100k today, so have another 8k to go

[slippery]

Thanks John, sounds sensible.

[slippery]

Strange thing happened today. Went into Saab dealership in Essex to see if I could get the parking sensor sorted. They want £66 just to plug in and tell me the problem which reminded me why I don't take it there all the time! Anyway, while I was there I asked them the timing belt question and they said 54k intervals. So, does that mean that John meant mine was due at 108k due to 54k intervals, or are the intervals 108k? Anyone who can put this one to bed for me once and for all would be appreciatied for ever more! I definately get the impression that the dealers are very unfamiliar with the 3.0 cars.

[John D9395]

I am relying on what is in my service book.

12k - all the normal stuff
24k - =12k + a few other pointers
36k - = 12k + air filter
48k - =12k + drive belt
108k - = camshaft timing belt change
every 4 years - brake fluid change


The above is all that is mentioned in the service book under the V6 diesil engine section.

I am up to 105k now, so starting to take deep breaths ready for the bill.

Saab have recomended that the tensioner is also replaced (over £200) at the same time, but don't make any mention of the other 2 rollers supporting the belt.

Having said that, they just quoted me £1,400 to replace an injector, my local back street guy recomended trying some fuel cleaner first that seemed to do the trick. Strange how Saab didn't also suggest this??

[slippery]

Thanks John, I take it you're still on your first belt then. I was starting to think mine might be 36,000 overdue but perhaps not! Interesting what you said about your £1400 quote. My experience with Volvo and Saab dealers is that Inchcape Volvo in Norwich are so helpful they make feel like sticking with the brand just for the service (My wife runs an S60 T5). I know I'm paying top money but feel like I'm getting what I'm paying for. Both Saab dealerships I have spoken to regarding servicing have displayed a serious lack of knowledge about the model but certainly seem to know how to charge! Hence the servicing at a local garage, although I took on board the comments made by someone (you I think!) relating to having the belt change done at the agents as most of the cost was for the parts. I also fancy my chances are far greater of things being put right at Saab if they didn't do it properly and the engine subsequently suffered a catastrophic failure! Please let me know your experience as and when. Regarding them not mentioning the rollers, I'm pretty sure the Saab leaflet about cambelt changes recommends changing those too, perhaps your dealers are about as well informed as mine!

[slippery]

Just to update, got a quote from an independent for £611 inclusive. Main dealer has just quoted about £520 after 10% discount (still cheaper than the the independent even before the discount), so I have booked it in with them. I didn't really want to shell out £500+ needlessly, but I want to buy a new engine even less and have well and truly got my paranoid head on every time I drive it now! Apparently, the recommended intervals have been changed since the car was manufactured and are now 54k although I still can't truly get to the bottom of it. I'm going now, I'm starting to become a cambelt bore!!!