How hard is to replace the cam belt kit on 16v?

  1. Established Member Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 2009 Saxò VTS 16v
    #1
    Hi there,the reason asking for this is that mine is quite noisy and doesn't really give much confidence and i want to replace it for peace of mind,the mechanic i usually go to asks for around 300 for the cam belt kit,replacing it by myself would save quite a lot of money and it would be really satisfying to be able to change it on my own.

    This would include water pump,belt tensioner and the belt itself.

    Now,time is not a problem and i could do it with no rush,i'm no mechanic but i usually do the general service on my own without problems,could this be a feasible task for me following a guide?

    PS:if you're nearby (Canterbury) and would be so kind to give a hand beers and pizzas are free.
  2. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #2
    Without being sarcastic the fact that you're asking tells me you're not confident doing it.So i'd get some other quotes mate.
  3. Established Member Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 2009 Saxò VTS 16v
    #3
    I'm not completely clueless obliviously,i've read some guides and have an idea about the procedure,i just wanted to read the opinions of these who have done it or perhaps have some tips about it.
  4. Established Member Joined: Dec 2007 Redcar, Middlesbrough Posts: 2285 16v Rallye S2
    #4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xkjGd4G4Pg#t=547


    watch it from there its in french but bullet proof.
    1 user thanked this post:
  5. Established Member Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 2009 Saxò VTS 16v
    #5
    That video is a huge help,never seen it,thanks!
  6. Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 215
    #6
    The only bad thing is a seized warter pump.
  7. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 3068
    #7
    It's pretty simple tbf, first car I ever did was a VTS. I followed this guide.

    http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65315

    Gave me confidence to do other cars and more complex tasks!
  8. Established Member Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 2009 Saxò VTS 16v
    #8
    Yep i saw that guide,i knew about the water pump hope it won't be a problem,is the tensioner key a 8mm? how could you set the belt tension without buying one of these these tolls that cost hundreds of pounds? i would like to avoid to set it completely manually in case.

    I will get some other quotes first.
  9. Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 215
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VeiRoN View Post
    Yep i saw that guide,i knew about the water pump hope it won't be a problem,is the tensioner key a 8mm? how could you set the belt tension without buying one of these these tolls that cost hundreds of pounds? i would like to avoid to set it completely manually in case.

    I will get some other quotes first.
    Every pump i've changed has been seized and had to be smashed out.
    You can make a tool with an 8mm allen key and a dremmel or a grinder easier to do when you have a tensioner so as you grind the allen key you can make sure it fits nicely into the tensioner.
  10. Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 215
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VeiRoN View Post
    Yep i saw that guide,i knew about the water pump hope it won't be a problem,is the tensioner key a 8mm? how could you set the belt tension without buying one of these these tolls that cost hundreds of pounds? i would like to avoid to set it completely manually in case.

    I will get some other quotes first.
    Every pump i've changed has been seized and had to be smashed out.
    You can make a tool with an 8mm allen key and a dremmel or a grinder easier to do when you have a tensioner so as you grind the allen key you can make sure it fits nicely into the tensioner. Best way to set the tension without a seem tool allow 6mm of deflection in the middle of the longest part of the belt. The belt should be able to twist 90 ° in the middle of the longest part.