C5 Timing Belt Interval

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Delta Wizard
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C5 Timing Belt Interval

Post by Delta Wizard »

Hi

I have a 2006 C5 Estate 2l HDI - I have checked the handbook for timing belt change interval and it says 160k miles - is this correct? - it seems an awfully high mileage!
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Post by myglaren »

It is correct as far as the manufacturers recommendations are concerned but I would be changing it at half that distance.

It isn't a cheap job but costs a damned sight less than a new engine.
Same with the service intervals, very optimistic if you want the engine to last a decent length of time.
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Post by Citroenmad »

I agree with Steve, id not like to run a car up to 150K before changing a belt! Its the mileage stated or ten years.

The water pump will be very lucky to last anywhere near that, I doubt it would happily last 100, probably less.

My HDi is stated to need a cambelt change at 100K, I got it done at 75K, the water pump had quite a leak and one of the tensioners was starting to get worn. Really, it should be able to do an extra 25K in that state? ... I doubt it.



Id say change it at half your interval, for peace of mind.
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Post by RichardW »

Is that not 160k kilometers, ie 100k miles? That was the std interval on 2.0 HDi engines (although maybe yours is a 16V and therefore longer?).
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Post by Citroenmad »

2.0HDi 90 & 110 bhp 8vs are 100K or 10 years.

1.6HDi 110 16v & 2.0HDi 138 16v are 150K or 10 years. The 1.4 HDi is 150 too i think.

Though its advised under harsh or extreme conditions that the belt be replaced earlier.

I think 70-80K would be long enough on any of the above HDis.
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Post by cachaciero »

Mk1 2.2 recommended change is at 100K miles, mine did 102 before it was changed and looked in remarkably good nick when removed.

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Post by JamesQB »

What's supposed to be the reason behind these high intervals between belt changes? I mean, what is different that gives the manufacturer reason to believe they'll last so much longer?
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Post by Delta Wizard »

RichardW wrote:Is that not 160k kilometers, ie 100k miles? That was the std interval on 2.0 HDi engines (although maybe yours is a 16V and therefore longer?).
Nope I thought that myself and double checked - it definitely says miles...
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Post by RichardW »

Delta Wizard wrote: Nope I thought that myself and double checked - it definitely says miles...
Fair enough.... :lol:
JamesQB wrote:What's supposed to be the reason behind these high intervals between belt changes? I mean, what is different that gives the manufacturer reason to believe they'll last so much longer?
It's just down to their experience during engine testing. I imagine they set it to that failures are rare below the advised change interval - althgouh they struggle I guess to replicate the ageing process. Some have had to back track (eg VAG, Alfa Romeo) and advise rediculously short change intervals (40 and 36k IIRC respectively!). PSA always seem to have managed to engineer good sound drives that don't fall apart on a whim. I imagine a belt change on a 1.6 HDi will be a repair (eg water pump) only - not many will get to the change mileage, and by the time they do, will be near worthless, so owners won't bother.

Mind you I am pushing mine at 109k and nearly 10 years old. Just cannot find a free weekend to get it changed when there isn't 6" of snow and -10. Of course when it does let go, then it will have to be fixed at more expense and regardless of the snow.... Job for the Christmas break - along with a C5 2.0 HDi 136 clutch.....
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Post by Citroenmad »

JamesQB wrote:What's supposed to be the reason behind these high intervals between belt changes? I mean, what is different that gives the manufacturer reason to believe they'll last so much longer?
Its often to do with them being common rail diesels and so put less strain on the belts. I think!
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Post by cachaciero »

Think design life and warranty. = first belt change must be outside the warranty period, belt life MUST be longer than the warranty mileage after that finger in the wind :-)

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Post by Citroenmad »

Ive seen an 03 reg C5 2.0HDi on ebay for breaking due to cambelt failure, it had only covered 73K miles and had obviously not reached the 10 year period either.

That convinced me to get mine done early.

Some VWs are every 40K or 4 years, so that is within warranty on the mileage. It was changes from 60K or 6 years as some were snapping early. I dont think warranty has much to do with belt change intervals.
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Post by craigbooth »

mine is just over 160k now and has been done twice already
C5 2003 2.0 hdi SX 180'000
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Post by Delta Wizard »

Thanks everybody - I have booked it in to be done at 100K
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