Cambelt Change

[panthro]

Hi all

Just in a bit of a predicament at the moment.

My 172 has covered 24k miles and next month it will be 5 years old. The recommended cambelt change for these engines is 5 years or 60k miles.

However, it is also in need of the following, it failed its MOT last week so some of the work is essential:

- New suspension strut for the farside front wheel - MOT failure
- All brake pads need replacing - MOT advisory
- 2 New Front Tyres (Toyo T1-R) - MOT advisory
- 24k mile service

All of the above is going to cost me about £450. I really cannot afford to get the cambelt (£450 - from a Renault specialist) done within the next month due to insufficient funds. Am I pushing it by not following the recommended guidelines? I will be able to afford it from the beginning of October. Basically, how safe is it to drive? If I had the money I would bite the bullet and pay, but theres no bullet to bite!

one of my other threads regarding cambelt change

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=300046&f=160&h=0

[Sam_68]

You would be really unlucky to have the cambelt snap on you within the next couple of months; obviously manufacturers are pretty conservative about their servicing schedules. BUT, if it does break, chances are it will write off the engine (or at least the cylinder head), so you'd be well advised to get it done as soon as you can afford it.

If you do it yourself, it will cost you £30 or so for a new cambelt and a few hours of your time, rather than the £450 being quoted by the main dealer!

[SprintV8]

You'll never do a 172/182 Clio cam belt in a couple of hour's.

You may even have to remove the front bumper to aid getting access to the Belt ETC.

Risking a engine because you got no fund's.
I now what I'll do borrow the dosh if you haven't got it.

[panthro]

Im not borrowing money to service a car. I would only borrow money if I was buying a new car.

I planned to trade it in last week for an Evo VIII but changed my mind at the last minute. Wish I didnt now, cos I wouldnt have these bills.

[panthro]

Ive just got a quote from www.nationalvehicleservicing.com for my cambelt. They want £256 for it, and they will come out to my work and do it. I am very tempted, as I cannot afford the figures other garages are quoting me. Plus, all his work in guaranteed....if that counts for anything, as it wouldnt help me much if my engine went bang and he has gone bust!

[flooritforever]

panthro said:

However, it is also in need of the following, it failed its MOT last week so some of the work is essential:

- New suspension strut for the farside front wheel - MOT failure
- All brake pads need replacing - MOT advisory
- 2 New Front Tyres (Toyo T1-R) - MOT advisory
- 24k mile service

As these are advisory, and 24K in 5 years says you don't drive the car much, I'd say it may be worth considering leaving the pads and tyres till october. The cambelt is much more important as a failure could totally lunch your engine.

[panthro]

Just had my cambelt, aux belt and 60 month service for my car done by national vehicle servicing. They have done a very good job, replaced the brake fluid too. Altogether it cost me £432. Phil, the mechanic is ex renault so knows exactly what he is doing. I thoroughly recommend them.

[SprintV8]

I also EX Renault.

But now back at Mercedes Benz.

[ridds]

I'd say do the belt and the service and strut all at once, cheaper as it's ther and in pieces.

The others can be done at your discretion and when funds allow.

[corky1000]

Hi please change your belt mine just broke today 31000 miles and 5year and 6 month old.Iam looking at a big bill was going to get it changed next week.Was just pulling away from the lights and it cut out so started it and it stoped again would not turn over after that so looks like the valves are in to the pistons. colin

[nokias]

If it bores you, then don't read it or comment.

Edited by Big Al. on Sunday 28th September 21:05