Ford Ecoboost Cambelt Change - Garage Recommendations

[stevemiller]

I am looking for a non main dealer independent garage with history of completing the belt change. Together with the belt there is a second belt and the water pump change out at the same time. The work is rounded of with oil and filter change. Looking for garages near either Newbury/Berkshire or Whitehaven/Workington area West Cumbria. I know this is seen a a PITA job but there must be some real experts with a number of swaps under their belts

Hopefully some one has had this completed to their satisfaction as there are many now at the 10 year/125k - 150k mileage.

[stevemiller]

Krikkit said:

These guys are ford specialists in Carlisle: https://alsmotorgroup.co.uk and this crowd in Keswick: http://www.highhillautomotive.uk/
Doesn't really look like much of a pain to do - you need the locking tools but otherwise it's a pretty normal cambelt. If you're paying someone to do the belt and braces, it'd be worth changing the oil pump at the same time.

Thanks I will give them both a call, good shout with the oil pump.

[stevemiller]

I contacted one of these two garages and they do not have the locking tools but were interested in acquiring said tools and gave me an estimate. Price quoted was far too high so I contacted the mechanic who I had used until my recent move of house as to whether he had completed said belt change.

Not only have they already all the tools but had completed 4/5 changes to date so now familiar with the job. With that reassurance I asked for an estimate which I was more than happy with. The main issue is logistics in delivery and collection but that will be resolved, I would have contacted them first had it not been for the logistics (not knowing their history with the job)

[stevemiller]

Hello the job was completed 3 weeks ago with the car covering around 100 miles plus since. The cost was just over £700. We have had the car from new passing between family members so for us it was a no brainer knowing the history and service record.

[stevemiller]

tux850 said:

Rather perversely the hideousness of the garage pricing for the job (although @stevemiller if yours is anywhere near Wiltshire I'd love to hear the details as £700 doesn't sound too bad) and fear factor of DIYing it that I've been reading on various forums elsewhere is actually pushing me to want to give it a go myself.

I'm beginning to feel I've got nothing to lose (other than leaving my wife without a car of course if I screw it up!) as long as I follow the correct procedure (sent you a message @stevemcs - thanks), and the labour fees I'll save will easily cover the cost of the timing/locking tools (£65) and suitable torque wrench and breaker to give me the 300Nm plus 90 degrees that the crank bolt seemingly requires (if not using the torque multiplier).

Sorry the garage used was in Cumbria.