timing belt

[fishermanferg]

hi can anyone tell me if I can take a look at my timing belt it will be getting replaced shortly its 5 years are about up although its only done ,20,000 miles since it was changed , other cars ive had before I could take the top cambelt cover of ,and have a wee look if the belt ;looked frayed or worn I got the belt changed right away ,as I said I would like to take a quick look but cannot see how to take the top cambelt cover off any advice or pictures would be helpful the belt was last changed in 2012 with 37.800 miles on the clock its now got 58.860 miles on the clock the belt was a gates powergrip

[taffyhl]

It would help if you mentioned which model you have.

I have a 1.9dci and it's pretty easy to see the belt. You can see the edges without removing anything but undoing a couple of bolts near the drivers side top engine mount shows more. My belt was changed 71k and 6 years ago. Was holding off to see if the car passed it's MOT without need for major work before changing it. It has now passed so it's going in for replacement with French car specialist in Cardiff. £260 incl parts, labour and VAT for belt and water pump using genuine parts. At that price it wasn't worth me risking doing it myself given I've never done one before.

[Stranger]

It would help if you mentioned which model you have.

It says under his info

[taffyhl]

Apols Fishermanferg - should have looked at your profile.

In that case my engine is different so can't help access the belt. Perhaps the manuals (in sticky at top of forum) will help? Personally I've let mine go the full 72k, not worrying about the age, as the car is in constant use. Were it standing around for days I would be more concerned as I believe that is when rubber perishes more.

[fishermanferg]

its a megane 1.6 vvt 56 plate with 59.000 miles on clock