Easy cambelt change?

[ben_r1]

Yes yes another thread about DIY cambelt replacement, but before you stop reading please give me a few minutes to clarify something.

Now I'm a mechanic by trade and have done many cambelts in my time so the basic principle doesn't escape me. However I've always given the clios and meganes to a specialist as I hear so many horror stories and can't really be arsed to mess up my pride and joys.

However money is tight at the moment and the 172 is approaching a belt/dephaser change so I thought I'd research the job. I've looked through many old threads on here and to be honest I can't see the difficulty so someone please clear this up on what I'm missing!?

Basically the crank and camshaft pulleys are all floating once loosened off, assuming the TDC pin is in the flywheel and the camshafts are positioned with the horseshoe you literally can't get it wrong? Put the belt onto the floating pulleys, set the tensioner in the correct position and then lock off the pulleys by tightening them? Sounds simple.

I have all the locking and timing tools, albeit sealey variants, so is it safe to give this a shot or should I just cough up for a specialist? In theory it sounds a straightforward process for a competent mechanic?

 

[Mr R.]

If only it was that simple.

Buy the correct Renault tools as the one's you have are made of chocolate.

I've done a few now and if you have a good mechanical mind then you will figure it out easy enough.

 

[Paprika123]

Genuine tools and follow the Renualt guide.

Before you tighten everything up you need to spin the belt 6 times iirc so it evens the tension out. I believe this is the step most people miss/forget so when the engine is rotated the belt tension evens out and knocks the cams out of alignment.

I've done a few now and if you pay attention and check check check you should be fine.

 

[Mr R.]

Genuine tools and follow the Renualt guide.

Before you tighten everything up you need to spin the belt 6 times iirc so it evens the tension out. I believe this is the step most people miss/forget so when the engine is rotated the belt tension evens out and knocks the cams out of alignment.

I've done a few now and if you pay attention and check check check you should be fine.

Unless you have a Meg bottom pulley which has a key.

Makes setting the belt tension even more tricky.

 

[ben_r1]

Anyone got a cost of genuine tools? Being the timing top end set and the dephaser pulley locker?

 

[Mini182]

Also don't just rely on the horseshoe to hold the cams, you need the tool to lock the sprockets as well.

 

[Mr R.]

Also don't just rely on the horseshoe to hold the cams, you need the tool to lock the sprockets as well.

The horse shoe won't hold the cams. You 100 % need the pulley locking tool.

 

[Mr R.]

Anyone got a cost of genuine tools? Being the timing top end set and the dephaser pulley locker?

I have the genuine Renault tool's that i'll lend you for a drink.

You damage them you buy me another set.

Pm me if you are interested.

 

[ben_r1]

Will do mate if I go down this route thanks, let me get some quotes and see where I stand.

 

[Mr R.]

No problem's.

 

[Budgie]

I have the genuine Renault tool's that i'll lend you for a drink.

You damage them you buy me another set.

Pm me if you are interested.

Top man!

CS FTW.