Xantia Cambelt

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 10 Nov 2004, 13:23

1.9td Xantia (1993)
Bought a new cambelt ages ago, and i have access to a haynes manual if need be. how easy is it to change the belt itself and what is involved? Also how long do you think it will take? Do i need any specialist equipment?

beezer · Post by **beezer** » 10 Nov 2004, 14:49

You need a good jack or hoist as you have to take off the top mount. 50mm M8 bolts for locking the sprockets - there is a hole in the engine flange behind the starter motor which lines up with a hole in the flywheel and can be a pig to get to without the right tool. I made up a cranked rod 8mm diameter but you can buy a set of timing tools (http://www.franklin-tools.co.uk supply a decent set) - you will need a good solid socket (can't remember size sorry) and tommy bar or breaker bar to get the crankshaft pulley bolt removed and a nifty wee 3/8 ratchet to get to the tensioner (I use a 30 year old Britool which is perfect). All said and done, it is one of the easiest engines to change a belt. After the first time it is a doddle. Much as the Haynes manuals are derided on here, the cambelt changing instructions are pretty good. Just make sure you have the timing right, lock up the sprockets and flywheel correctly and make sure the belt tension is adequate and you should have no problems.
It could take you quite a while first time but that is a good thing. Do everything carefully.

davek-uk · Post by **davek-uk** » 10 Nov 2004, 15:25

I'll be doing mine for the first time over Christmas (hopefully) so let us know how you get on! Good luck!

Post by **RichardW** » 10 Nov 2004, 16:18

93 will be easier than a 97 as the later car will have bolt on cam belt covers which are a RPITA to get on and off. Watch out for the bolt right down the back behind the turbo pipe, which is a different size (11mm) to all the others (10mm). Crank pulley is 22mm, and requires a hefty tug to get it out - crack it with the engine warm so that the thread lock is softened. Consider fitting a new crankshaft pulley bolt, as they are really stretch type, and only a few quid from Citroen - and come with the thread lock already on. Oh, you need a 16mm deep socket to get the engine mount off as well, and you may find a big high nut on top of the body side mount - you can usually undo this with a pair of mole grips or similar. You need a few good allen keys to get the aux belt tensioner undone as well.
My 95 (bolt on) took about 5 hours first time. Then did my mate's with clip ons and that took about 7 hours for 2 of us - it was well oiled up and ended up taking the starter out to get the flyhweel locking pin in, and then the tensioner was seized and had to be persuaded with a big hammer....

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 10 Nov 2004, 23:10

At the same time as doing the belt, check the pulleys for smooth running. Also look closely at the water pump for leakage signs.

TheWorker · Post by **TheWorker** » 11 Nov 2004, 01:39

if you have trouble with the tentioner,you can loosen the swivel nut. to get the back 11mm nut off i usually take off the turbo pipes as it gives more room other then spendin half an hour with a short spanner and you arm at funny angles.

davek-uk · Post by **davek-uk** » 11 Nov 2004, 16:22

I really should look at the Haynes BOL to give me an idea of what I'm up against, but I'll ask this first anyway:
The Xantia'll be 120k miles and I don't plan another change until 170K (I'll be lucky). I don't expect the water pump to last to 170K so I'll have to change it. What else is likely to fail before 170K miles? No comments of "practically everything" please...

beezer · Post by **beezer** » 11 Nov 2004, 16:35

Make sure the tensioner and intermediate roller bearings are ok. If the Xantia has one of those silly steel tubes splitting the bottom hose on its way to the pump then now is the time to replace it (Pug 205 has one).