Xantia petrol cam belt - is 125K pushing it?

[Jim Burton]

I know the cam belt should have been replaced years ago, but I do such a low mileage these days, I've been putting it off, year after year.
Finally the worry is getting to me (The memory of a belt going 'twang' in a five year old Fiat 125 resulting in a totalled engine still lingers...)
There's no main dealer around here anymore, but the local Mr Clutch quote £279 plus water-pump total £350, I 'm guessing. The local mobile "we come to you" do-it-in-the-carpark type guys half that. Either way that's a years tax and insurance money.
In the opinion of this forum, is the mobile mechanic going to do a good job at the side of the road - I mean how hard is this operation to a skilled guy? Or is it so specialised and difficult that only a fixed-site hydraulic ramp operation would be the reliable option.

I suppose there is one other option - to do nothing - I rarely do more than 30mph around town trips, and if the belt has lasted ten years maybe it'll go on for ever? Or this just crazy talk?

[jgra1]

I have changed mine at the side of the road

John

[DHallworth]

If it's on it's original cam belt you're dicing with death having not done it on an age related basis now as the newest Xantia is now 13 years old.

All timing belts come with a certain mileage/age recommendation for replacement so it's probably long overdue I'm afraid.

David.

[micky707]

Unfortunatley from time to time we have to spend a little money on our cars and this is one thing that is extremley important and once its done you will feel satisfied that you have sorted it and will no longer be worried every time you go out in it.

[addo]

Removal of the top cover will make condition apparent.

BTW it's probably not necessary to bathe every week, either.

[JohnD]

is the mobile mechanic going to do a good job at the side of the road -:

There's no reason why he shouldn't do. I've done both my Saxo and daughter's Pug 306 in the drive with no problems. Back in the 1970's I did a clutch change on a rear wheel drive car in the road. On your mileage - at 125K it's on borrowed time. Get it done fast, then you can sleep at nights.

[RichardW]

IIRC 1.8 8V is pretty straight forward, no problems with a mobile doing it - I would rather that than trust it to Mr Clutch! If you're not too bad with the spanners, then it should be easy enough to DIY.

[Citroenmad]

I find persuading people to have the timing belt replaced is difficult as it is something the owner will not realise the benefit from. However, they will, as they won't have to pay out for another engine or another car.

I always change timing belts on my cars slightly earlier than recommended. You only have to look around at cars for sale cheaply on ebay to find ones which should still be on the original timing belt but have snapped within the time.

You're also asking the water pump and tensioners to do all of those miles and years too. Just like tyres, belts perish and fail.

I think the only place I would drive your Xantia is to the local garage for a belt change, and spare the revs Or have the mobile guy do it, its not difficult to do

[Lighty]

One question would be why on earth would you use Mr clutch to do a water pump, surely there must be a competent in dependant near by. Incidentally, a cambelt on a petrol Xantia would be £175 + vat! and the pump an extra £40, so his price is way too much as well.

[Jim Burton]

Thanks to all you guys - total agreement from everyone, that's good

I'll get the mobile guy to do it - £175 plus vat plus 40 quid for the water pump - total £250 all in, and like you say, peace of mind and a good night's sleep.

[mds141]

Or supply the cambelt and water pump yourself and get it done as a 'cash job' and save the VAT element.

[CGATCX25GTITURBO]

get it done as a 'cash job' and save the VAT element.

That's why we don't have the services we need.. not giving the government the slice it needs

[Jim Burton]

Or supply the cambelt and water pump yourself and get it done as a 'cash job' and save the VAT element.

-gasp- Y'mean buy the complete kit £39.54 plus water pump £27 from eurocarparts and then wave £100 at a passing forum member with a spanner or two in the boot, and job done for half the MrCrutch price? Can this possibly be morally justifiable, what with the economy being in such a state?

(anyone in Southend area want's to pm me? A nice bit of extra Xmas money? tempt, tempt...Only joking of course)