I’ve got a timing belt kit for my 1.2 16v 2004 clio, does anyone have any experience with doing this and can recommend some tools to make it easier?
how difficult is the job? I really don’t want to knacker my engine
some people say it’s a really easy job and I hope that’s the case
I’ve done a timing belt before on a 2l Toyota rav 4 1998 and that was a lot of trouble as the water pump had seized before we even started and it was out of time
Apart from something 7mm to lock the flywheel at tdc, you don't need anything specialist. I done mine last week. There's more a particular order for taking it apart rather than anything complicated. The tensioner adjustment can be hard to see but easy to do. As far as tools go, a long breaker bar if you Wana turn the engine via the crank bolt from the top of the engine to get the flywheel in the right place while pushing the locking pin in, otherwise I'd say get someone to assist with that small bit. Everything else can be done with a standard ratchet or torque wrench. Clearance is your main issue to the Inside of the wheel arch when bolting and unbolting the upper cover. And getting the top engine mount back in line with the bolt holes can be tricky if the engine is up or down from its standard level so when supporting it, just make sure it doesn't raise it too much, or if you can get it done, leave it attached to the top cover. 1 big thing. Make sure you have the crank pulley correctly aligned, as in the little step on the shaft is properly in the groove on the pulley, or you will be shitting yourself when ya go to start it and it wobbles.
Hardest bit I found is re tensioning the alternator belt. The bolt for the adjustment can be right behind the belt and difficult to get to. A unicersal joint adaptor and a deep socket might be the way to go but mine had air con so the bracket makes it different than if you haven't.
