With the car being in storage for the winter, can I just check that it is 5 years that the Cam belt needs doing? Car has only just hit 4,000 miles, but I know its a mileage or time!
Sorry to jump on this, but Im in a similar position, Mines done 35k on an 07 plate cambelt not yet been changed. Does it really need doing, or is it just guidelines?!
Rubber detiorates over time not just use, its either pay upto a £1000 on cambelt change or a few grand on a new engine when the belts go.
IIRC changed from 5 to 6 years on 2008 MY cars. Is there actually any difference, or did Renault just think that they will last longer all of a sudden?
Yeah my book says six years. I'm planning to get it done in April when the car will be 6 years old, only 50,000 on it ATM though. Christ I hope it doesn't cost that much. I was going to take the car to my wife's family friend's garage, who has done all our cars over the years. I know, I know, he's not a Renault specialist but this guy is trustworthy and has dealt with other belts for us and more complicated things besides.
I had a look a prices and they seem to be very much the same. Renault won't make the parts either, they'll be rebranded something or other, I'm just not sure what.
Would be interesting to know who makes the 'original' parts... I'm also due for cam belt change come spring.
Litens, Gates And a few Chinese companies for the bearings and water pump Just buy genuine Renault or a gates kit I do them for £400 all in with genuine parts
Mines the same (6 years and getting done in spring). I know you know about the belts and specialists as you say, but I think it really is worth going somewhere 'proper'. A back street garage couldn't do the wife 1.6 petrol Megane belt after three attempts - ended up in court. Birchdown sorted that, and will be doing my R26 too.
I charge £495 Inc VAT for both belt kits, water pump and type d coolant. All genuine. Nearest main dealer charges £850 without the water pump.
Where are you based mark? Want to get mine done before spring I'm on tapatalk so can't see your location lol
Yeesh. I'm going to the garage on Saturday for an MOT, I'll speak to the owner about getting a quote etc. I know he won't leave me in the lurch, he's a good chap. He had the head off and on my wife's 206 and all was well with that.
4k miles! I have restricted myself to 7k this year in the R26R and I have had to put it away for the winter as I just kept driving it. Mine is due this year and currently considering where to have it done, Dealer or specialist. I have to say I am not a big fan of dealers for any marque.