Timing belt change

[Budgie]

Hi guys need timing belt change with new water pump plus major service done, had the van serviced through main fiat dealer from new, been quoted £1000 by fiat the service guy said you need specialist tools and its a specialist job blah blah and they use genuine fiat parts with 2 year guarantee on them, what do you knowledgeable lot think of the price and could anybody recommend somewhere in the North East or cumbria, thanks in advance

 

[Millie Master]

There is nothing and no-one who speaks more utter tripe than the "service guy" at most garages!!

Throughout the country there are countless thousands of local specialist garages or even mechanics on the drive who are fully capable of doing a cam belt change, but are you sure your Fiat actually has a cambelt?

The service, even a major mechanical service is such an easy job to do and on my Renault Master I had a full service including all filters, 2 x new rear brake callipers, a cambelt and auxiliary belt for a grand total of only £550.

My BMW daily driver, if I was to use a BMW dealer to carry out the servicing it would cost me £1,100 per annum whereas I use my local multi make garage and he does a far more thorough job and I have change out of £350.

Do a quick check on the internet for mobile mechanics, or multi make vehicle servicing and then have a darned good read of the reviews and go from there and pocket your money for a few cases of wine!

 

[Picket]

Yep, totally agree with Millie Master. 2014 Ducato based Chausson full service plus belts change, think including water pump, change out of £550. Using local garage. Main dealer quoted over £750 just belt. Like the word cake is x amount, add the word wedding becomes 2x, van becomes motorhome same principle.

 

[argoose]

Good indie garage. Main dealers have big overheads to cover, so charge premium rate

 

[oppy]

I've no idea if this is of any use, but, many years ago we used to remove the cover and turn the engine without starting it and used a sharp blade to cut the belt in half lengthwise as it revolved. When stopped it was possible to trim off one half of the belt and slip on the replacement (half way ) and once on we removed the old part, it sounds complicated, but it is dead easy, just think about it.
Hope this helps
Peter

 

[maingate]

Hoddys in Gateshead, they have always done the work on my motorhomes.

Abbotsford, Felling, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE10 0LF

0191 4691999

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I've no idea if this is of any use, but, many years ago we used to remove the cover and turn the engine without starting it and used a sharp blade to cut the belt in half lengthwise as it revolved. When stopped it was possible to trim off one half of the belt and slip on the replacement (half way ) and once on we removed the old part, it sounds complicated, but it is dead easy, just think about it.
Hope this helps
Peter

Not seen that done for ages, can end in tears if the belt is way overdue and they just snap when half of the strength has gone, but it does work usually, but I'd rather it was done with a new water pump tensioner and idler.

 

[Peter51]

I got mine done recently in a garage in Halifax that specialisses in VW - it was £380!!!

 

[Picket]

2014 Ducato based Chausson full service plus belts change, think including water pump, change out of £550, local garage. Main dealer quoted over £750 just belt. If a garage can't warranty a belt for 2 years find one who will. Genuine Cam belt kit plus water pump will cost more but not much more than £100-150, you can always check with another main dealer.