megane 225 cambelt change issues

Discussion in 'Mechanical - Engine, Gearbox, Exhaust etc' started by edddurrant, Apr 17, 2014.

  1. Hi guys,

    long time no post!

    I have just bought a megane 225 and it is due a cambelt change, I have heard this can be a bit tricky if the garagee isn't clued up about this car and people have a few horror stories of previous mess ups?

    Anyway, what is the problem with any garage doing it? could the issue that arises be explained to the mechanics or would you definitely recommend a specialist like KTEC? problem is they want £600 inc water pump.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. I had same issues with local garages and even so French car specialists! I took mine to engine dynamics. £600 Inc water pump doesn't seem that bad
     
  3. I had same issues with local garages and even so called French car specialists! I Hunted around for a Renault sport specialist and took mine to engine dynamics. £600 Inc water pump doesn't seem that bad
     
  4. this is the thing, none of the threads I've read elaborate on these issues, please can you enlighten me :smile: , £600 for all that from a specialist seems fair just wondered what the issues were and if going to my local mechanic for this job should be avoided...
     
  5. 1200 at renault doesnt include a water pump.
    where are you based
     
  6. I think it's a big job, 10hrs by the book I think and I got the feeling that they did not want to commit. One quote was £1000 ish lol
     

  7. dorset
     
  8. ouch, maybe £600 aint so bad after all hah
     
  9. but none the less, please can somebody explain the issues
     
  10. Paid £225 including belt for mine to be done!, friends with garages lol
     
  11. The problem is the space you have to work in about 4 inches and it's time for stripping the bumper slam panels cooler driver side wheel arch drive shaft and the different sequences you have to do when loosing and re fitting.
    Its a big job but not difficult at all the book time puts mechs off the job.
    Its a cam belt not a rebuild. I have the autodata for this and it's simple if your handy with tools and patient.
    Where you located?
     
  12. Just had mine done and as mentioned it's a lengthy job but mainly down to the space restrictions and having to remove the bumper and all that malarky...
     
  13. the biggest problems is not having the correct tools as well, Renault have what's called a full floating engine , the crankshaft and camshafts aren't locked to the pulleys , so the usual mechanics who tip ex the pulleys run into problems !

    the correct way is to lock the camshafts at the rear of them and lock the crankshaft, once locked you the release the pulleys and fit then belt correctly and so it's in time perfect
     
  14. i could have done it if you were a bit closer to me
     
  15. Mines is going in to get the cambelt, aux kit, waterpump, oil, plugs, and oil filter at the end of the month for £710 by RS specialists in Stirling, guy told me it will be in all day so for the labour and parts I reckon its a good price, I would really mess about with these engines if its a micky mouse garage, put it into someone who knows these cars and knows what their doing
     
  16. Mines is going in to get the cambelt, aux kit, waterpump, oil, plugs, and oil filter at the end of the month for £710 by RS specialists in Stirling, guy told me it will be in all day so for the labour and parts I reckon its a good price, I wouldn't really mess about with these engines if its a micky mouse garage, put it into someone who knows these cars and knows what their doing
     
  17. Easy job with the correct tools. I'd always use Renault specialists that could show me what tools they use. Genuine Renault timing tools aren't cheap so not many places use them.
    519 Automotive in Bedfordshire have looked after all my Renault sport's. Never had any issues great service as competitive prices.
     
  18. thanks everyone for the replies, i am in dorset for those who were asking. Maybe the £600 ktec want is reasonable then, thats probably my best bet
     
  19. Paid £525 for both belts and water pump just over 4 hours inc some stubborn bolts
    denbers was under £500 for his R26 as it went smoother than mine lol
    local garage has done quite a few of them, everywhere else was quoting £650+
     
  20. Its a mornings work at most and the only real issue is getting the tensioner correct.

    They seem to over tighten once the engine has run, causing a whine. As long as the engine is run for a minute (with all covers/mounts off) you can gauge how much the tensioner tightens beyond what it should; it can then be adjusted so it tightens to the correct setting after running.

    Any garage should be able to do this easily.

    Paul
     
    Shel likes this.
  21. Would you get this whine with the car idling?
     
  22. Yes, its more of a drone on idle.

    Paul
     
  23. If distance wasn't an issue How much would you want for this?
     
  24. I just had mine done a local garage. They're not Renault specialists but the owner is a family friend of my wife's, and a very honest decent chap. Salt of the earth type guys. They're always busy because they've a good reputation, we've sent all our cars there. £400ish (had service done at same time) for the belt and water pump using Renault parts. £680 including a comprehensive service including gearbox oil and brake fluid. That oil has made such a difference to the gear change.
     

  25. Thanks for the info mate, and you haven't experienced any problems listed above?
     
  26. We collected the car on Friday and it's been fine, driven in any manner. Our chap did say he had te proper Renault cam locking tools though.
    He's done cambelts on our other cars too with no problems.
     
  27. Mark black all day long!!!!
     
  28. Had mine done at cooksport ... less than £500 all in....
     
  29. MicKPM

    MicKPM RSM Trader RSM Trader

    It's not just the cam shaft setting tool you need though. Additionally you need the pulley immobiliser tool and a decent tech wrench to accurately measure the fixing angles when tightening them up.

    We do them and the water pump for £450 including VAT with genuine parts
     
  30. good price but to far for me unfortunately!

    was originally going to go to k-tec racing for £600 but been quote £470 from my local independent garage and i really can't afford the extra £130 and commuting just over an hour and then waiting around most of the day but mainly because of being skint after buying the car and the cambelt needs doing asap as the mileage is at 75,000,

    I don't want to take it to my local unless I'm positive i won't have any issues, so what exactly should i check with them? the renault crank shaft setting tool? the tensioner over tightening ? what tensioner is this by the way so i have some idea what I'm talking about? also are the likely to change the tensioners on the cambelt and aux belt as k-tecs price includes this but didn't check with my local?

    Sorry for the essay, just stressing a bit
     
  31. MicKPM

    MicKPM RSM Trader RSM Trader

    You pay your money and take your chance I'm afraid. This is why we advise you always do your homework and make the best decision based on the info you have but ultimately you have no real idea what they are doing or fitting if we're being honest. It could be a cheap Chinese belt kit or it could be a quality kit. The real weak point on these though is the water pump (cheap ones don't last) and make damn sure the camshaft and crank shaft fixings and seals are replaced.

    We only ever use genuine parts because they are designed for the car by the original designers and it lends to build customer confidence in your ability to do the job right (I find it also helps that you are a Renault Approved Trade Partner to)
     
  32. yeah you guys would be the ideal choice its just way to far for me to commute (especially with the mileage its on needing the belts done) , are these the seals you are referring to? http://www.k-tecracing.com/show_product.asp?id=4063&appid=12
     
  33. The Renault parts aren't even that expensive. There are more expensive cambelt kits on euro car parts.
     
  34. MicKPM

    MicKPM RSM Trader RSM Trader

    No, they are the set point end caps and are consumables that should be included with the belt kits (but aren't). The camshaft oil seals live behind the camshaft pulleys and always get changed by us when the timing belt is replaced along with all fixings.
     
  35. so yours is £450 inc vat for the cambelt and tensioners, aux belt and tensioners, the seals i sent a link of, the seals you were referring to, the water pump and labour costs?
     
  36. MicKPM

    MicKPM RSM Trader RSM Trader

    We change the following items for £450...

    Timing belt kit (Inc. Tensioner and Idler)
    Water Pump
    Camshaft fixing and seal kit
    End caps
    Crank pulley bolt
    Coolant (Type-D)
    Auxiliary drive belt kit

    All new parts from Renault UK, Invoiced, VAT included and your service book stamped. Throw in an extra £23+VAT and we'll bang in a new thermostat at the same time.
     
  37. That is a very good deal, only thing is the distance, how long would you need the car for? my local said 5+ hours - just thinking if i came up to you guys i'd have to do something for the day.
     
  38. MicKPM

    MicKPM RSM Trader RSM Trader

    2.5 to 3 hours is the normal but sometimes life happens. Most Meganes that are recieved at 9am and are done for dinnertime.
     
  39. all sounds very good, would be ideal to get it done on the way back from picking the motor up as its up that way but unfortunately my bank balance disagree's!

    wil definitely consider you guys when i have the money, thanks for all the info Mick
     
  40. MicKPM

    MicKPM RSM Trader RSM Trader

    Not a problem at all, it's the same price for the 250/265 also with the possible addition of the dephaser pulley.

    We do them all the time but all info and prices are on our website so drop us an email if you need anything.

    www.DiamondMotors.co.uk

    Mick
     

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