hi everyone,

i would appreicate some advice as i was in to the workshop today and got some advice and not sure what to do.

My car is a 2003 model, 1.6l petrol motor and has done 122,000kms.

The car is going on orginal belts and i thought it is probably time to change the main timing belt/water pump. The guy who had the car before me did most the servicing himself and i have done the basic's myself to example, spark plugs, air filter, oil etc

The major work is outside my ability.

My question is he said i should be changing all the belts including the one that drives generator/air con etc

My question is if that is needed and/recommended as the cost here in Sweden for the work is high. Around 750punds for the work and labour. Of course i want the car to run well but wondering if this is needed or not. What have you guys done?

Thanks in advance

Adam

Cambelt is a YES. Otherwise you may end up with a bill with an additional figure on the end to what you quoted above

When I had my timing belt / water pump changed at 40000miles (64374km) I had the aux belt and tensioners changed at the same time.

The mechanic was working in that area (covers off etc) so I felt it was cost effective to have it done together + piece of mind knowing all those moving bits were new.

Each to his own buddy, do what feels right / you can afford.

Thanks for the quick replies, i appreicate it.

I figured it was neccessary for the main belt to be changed (called kamrem =cam belt? in swedish) but i guess the AUX belt was the other one i was thinking about. If its not changed as well as the tensioners it of course would be cheaper but i didnt know if they would hold until the next cam belt change in 4-5 years. Would hate to not do and then get a problem in a few months/years then it would be as you said double work on the same area.

Anyone else changed or not changed theirs?

Replace the cam belt and waterpump. If the aux belt is in good condition it doesn't need to be changed but really for the price of the belt itself it's worth doing since it has to be taken off anyway

Thanks guys. I went to my old independant and they can change all belts, water pump etc for 450punds so that feels ok. It also feels better to know it won't snap or shouldn't have any added problems with tensioners etc.

Thanks again.

I have another question. After the belts being change I have noticed that when turned the steering wheel even slightly to either side there is a distinct noice, something that sounds like something is too tight but hard to describe the noice. Is there anyway the belt change could be producing such a noice when the steering wheel is turned. At the same time when stationary and with slight turning of the wheel the revs increase in the motor not hugely but a bit. 1000-1400. Again is there anyway this is connected or is it normal?

Thanks

Adam