C5 II 2.0 Hdi Timing Belt replacement

[dawningtons]

Dear All,
My C5 tourer 2.0 HDi has just passed 160 k miles, and according to what I have heard/read is due for a timing belt change. The workshop manual gives a blow by blow procedure, which involves a few special tools. This is something I would like to do myself, but am looking for any advice on it. Are the special tools a necessity, or can I improvise with suitable size drill bits and home made jigs for instance. I am a very experienced DIY mechanic, but have never done a diesel timing belt before. Assuming I follow the steps carefully, there should be no issues with throwing the valve etc timing out ... Any other issues that I might need to be aware of in the experience of others. I am happy to hear all comments, even if they advise me to simply give it to a garage to do.
Thanks as ever for your guidance
Francis

[GiveMeABreak]

You haven't mentioned year, engine type.... A VIN or reg would be better still.

Edit: I think I have found it from a previous PM: 2009 X7 Tourer DW10BTED4.

Citroen do a fixed procve Timing Belt Kit replacement with pulleys for £295 or £345 depending on wither Citroen original parts or not:

http://www.citroen.co.uk/owner-services ... on-repairs

[dawningtons]

Oops. Sorry Marc. it's a 59 plate VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]*******. 2.0 138HP HDi

[dawningtons]

Thanks Marc,
It is difficult to see if this is for supply and fit, or supply only.

[GiveMeABreak]

That is the complete price including fitting labour and VAT - the lot. So should include the relevant pulleys too. They won't do the water pump unless you specify it - as this is not something they see as essential unlike in years gone past, as they are far more reliable today.

[GiveMeABreak]

Dear All,
My C5 tourer 2.0 HDi has just passed 160 k miles, and according to what I have heard/read is due for a timing belt change.

Actually - just thinking about it - you have actually gone over the recommended mileage for change - as for the non 136 HP models (yours is an RHF model 138HP) the mileage for these to be changed is 95,000 or 10 years!
Only the 136 HP models are 140,000 miles - so you are 45k miles over the recommended. Good to see that they last though!

I now sense a sudden urgency ....

[dawningtons]

Yikes!
Thanks Marc
Do you think this is a DIY job? What about alternatives to all those tools?
Regards
Francis

[Gibbo2286]

I suppose it's possible that it's already had one belt change if you're not the first owner.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yikes!
Thanks Marc
Do you think this is a DIY job? What about alternatives to all those tools?
Regards
Francis

Personally, I would leave it to the dealer for something like this - but that's just me - with something like this getting it all correct is too important to me.

[RichardW]

Belt change on this engine is not too hard - the IP is driven off the cam, so doesn't get in the way. It may even be possible to do it without removing the engine mount. There looks to be a spring mount tensioner with pointer, so setting the tension is automatic. I'll have a look later, and see about the tools, but usually drills or allen keys will do - although IIRC on this engine a flywheel lock tool is required. Often you can buy a timing tool set for a few quid on e-bay. A belt change is well within the capability of a competent DIY mechanic - just work methodically, set the tension properly, torque everything up properly and turn the engine over by hand before attempting to start it. Then pray!!!

[bobins]

Anyone ever tried the method of splitting the belt in half all the way around and then slipping the new belt over the pulleys on these engines ?

[dnsey]

No, but I've used the 'mark the old belt and pulleys, transfer the marks to the new belt' method a number of times. You might need to tweak the vernier pulleys a little though (if it has them).

[RichardW]

There's no point in not just doing the job properly, you need to change the tensioner and water pump anyway. This set up has a floating crankshaft pulley so needs to be done with it pinned, dots on the belt will not be good enough.

[andy5]

Anyone ever tried the method of splitting the belt in half all the way around and then slipping the new belt over the pulleys on these engines ?

If it's made to last 100,000 miles or more, it might not be easy to cut, even then, especially if it contains kevlar (I don't know, do they?)

Mind you, I suppose even then most of the fibres should be aligned in the belt direction, so maybe

[dawningtons]

Gents, I realise this post is quite old now, but I did eventually get around to changing that timing belt. I purchased the various tools for locking in TDC (they were really helpful) and did the job myself, including changing the auxiliary belt and tensioner. In the end the hardest part of the job was getting the covers off! If any of you want to do a DIY timing belt on your C5, I have the tools and am happy to sell them on, plus can send you the Citroen step by step guide