1.9 DCI Timing Belt Advice please!?

[Simon84]

Hi guys,

I have a 2003 '03 megane 1.9 DCI, which has done 38k, full service history. But now being 5 years old i know it's advised to change the timing belt (cam belt?) so i enquired at my local benfield renault and they quoted something ridiculous like £550 to change it. Unfortunatly i've had to replace all 4 tyres(nails) and glow plugs this week (i also chose to do an oil and filter as its about 9k since the last service as a preventative measure) so i can't say i'm flush with cash. I dont want my belt to snap and cause severe damage but i would like advice on where i can get the belt changed properly but cheaper than what i was quoted??

Also what is needed to be replaced at this point (i.e. anything else that the belt runs?)

I live in Bradford west yorkshire, work in newcaslte at the moment and my girlfriend lives near glossop manchester so any advice on garages in and around those areas would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!!

Thanks in advance guys!!

[Deano16v]

a local independant can prob do it for 300 ish matey. you could buy the cambelt kit yourself and pay a garage labour to fit it. Snappages are rare. some people will leave them the 70k before getting them done but it is 70k (ish) or 5 years so you are right to get it done.

[onlydiesels]

although it`s done relatively low milage it would be worth changing the water pump as well as the belt runs on this too. do`nt forget that the antifreeze will want topping up if it is changed.

[Simon84]

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like it not going to be a cheap deal - i'll leave it till the next service is due i think (8K) and look around for a deal to get the job lot done!

Any suggestions on a good cheap gargage to carry out the work in the Yorkshire - manchester area?

[mkslimguy]

I just purchased a 1.9 DCI 120 Megane Estate on a 53 plate with 72k on the clock...

After doing some research I found that the cambelt needed changing, saw some advice on here about getting the water pump changed at the same time...

I phoned a renault dealership and they quoted £400 just for the cambelt, I asked my local garage that I have always used and they done the job today for £247 inc the water pump and VAT... Interesting point they told me that the cambelt was one tooth out i.e the timing must have been slightly out, either that way from manufacture or it had slipped... Anyway I got the car back today and it drives lovely now, bit more torque on it....

A couple of questions I am hoping someone can answer....

In my service manual it states the service interval is every 18k Is that right? Also I have read about the turbo problem, how can I tell if my car could be affected or was made after the "fix"?

One last thing... The control knob for the electric windows must broken off some time ago, all that is left is a square hole in the switch, do I need to replace the whole switch unit or can I just buy the knob? Anyone have any ideas on how much it costs and is it easy to do?

Thanks

Andy

[Simon84]

I change the oil every 9k miles with the correct grade oil costs about £40, but is a lot cheaper than a new turbo thats probably the best way to keep your turbo happy.

[gavnaysh]

wheres the best place to get a cam belt kit from and how much roughly il get it through my dads garage but wouldn't mind knowing a price

[DJC013]

I just purchased a 1.9 DCI 120 Megane Estate on a 53 plate with 72k on the clock...

After doing some research I found that the cambelt needed changing, saw some advice on here about getting the water pump changed at the same time...

I phoned a renault dealership and they quoted £400 just for the cambelt, I asked my local garage that I have always used and they done the job today for £247 inc the water pump and VAT... Interesting point they told me that the cambelt was one tooth out i.e the timing must have been slightly out, either that way from manufacture or it had slipped... Anyway I got the car back today and it drives lovely now, bit more torque on it....

A couple of questions I am hoping someone can answer....

In my service manual it states the service interval is every 18k Is that right? Also I have read about the turbo problem, how can I tell if my car could be affected or was made after the "fix"?

One last thing... The control knob for the electric windows must broken off some time ago, all that is left is a square hole in the switch, do I need to replace the whole switch unit or can I just buy the knob? Anyone have any ideas on how much it costs and is it easy to do?

Thanks

Andy

Hello, i would change the oil & filter every 6 months/6000 miles whichever comes sooner, regards Damian.