Timing belt change please help

[Luch_d]

Hi guys,

I'm currently running a 57 plate 197 R27 with 35k miles. I had my 5 year service done in November by 'Renault Specialists' and they had told me that there was pretty much no point in changing my timing belt as my mileage was only around 30k and my car rarely used over the past 5 years. However I'm now starting to think that I had better get it done so I have been quoted a price of £480 with genuine parts and water pump. I was wondering whether you guys would definitely recommend getting it done as I know a few mechanics who think I'm wasting my money changing it at low mileage and I plan on selling within a year. Also is it worth getting the water pump done as well as this is like an extra £60-70 and I don't think there's a specified life on this?

Thanks, your help is appreciated.

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

It's 5 years or 72k. Get it changed.

 

[Steven103]

I think everyone on here would be extremely interested to hear who these Renault Speciliasts are?

In truth you can't ever predict a mileage, age or useage scenario that a "belt" will go. What you can consider is that they are rubber so they deteriorate with age (regardless of mileage), heatcycles (regardless of mileage), strain (regardless of age) and the pulleys/tensioners simply wear out (regardless of age). The cambelt assembly then is made up of both mileage and age dependant items. Given the repair bill for a belt related issue (£thousands) you'd figure it's definitely worth the initial outlay.

Even if you're planning to sell the car on, you're weighing up cost-of-belts vs higher-resale-value for having a complete service history.

 

[Luch_d]

Cheers for the replies lads. Yep hence the quotation marks. Said that timing belt wouldn't be worn if the car has been idle in a garage 3/4 days a week it's whole life. I've booked in now anyway just wanted to make sure it was definitely worth it, what are your opinions on changing the water pump?

 

[Fred@BTM]

if they said that then don't use them! Water pump is a must, not optional IMO!

 

[Dan@SJM]

As above. Not only is it sensible as it is cambelt driven, but not only that if(when) the water pump fails and takes the cambelt with it, there will be no warranty to use as its part of the terms and conditions of the warranty that any associated items are changed!

 

[MicKPM]

Proper specialists they must be - Ask them if a 50shot of NOS is safe to run without blowing the welds on your intake.

 

[Luch_d]

They mentioned that the clio 200 uses the same parts but has a 6 year interval but its no bother cos it's going in for a change on Saturday.

 

[Alan]

It'll make a cool noise when it snaps..

 

[George@RTR_Parts]

Proper specialists they must be - Ask them if a 50shot of NOS is safe to run without blowing the welds on your intake.

Love a cheeky FnF quote

OT take it to one of lads from here and get it done right