Renault Megane - Cam belt incorrectly fitted

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Sat 14 May 2011 22:30
Renault Megane - Cam belt incorrectly fitted - colhills

Hello. I have recently bought a 2000 Renault megane 1.4 16v. I was told when I bought it that the cambelt had been replaced recently by an independant garage. I do not have the receipt, but was assured that it had been done. As the engine was running rough, I took it to a local renault specialist, who checked the cam timing. They said that the timing was out, & could not be fixed without replacing the cambelt again. Am I wrong to assume that if I was to get proof that the cambelt was done by this garage not so long ago that they would have to sort it out? The renault specialists said that timing was probably out because they did not use a special key. Any info/advice would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance

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Sun 15 May 2011 09:52
Renault Megane - Cam belt incorrectly fitted - LucyBC

You have no case against the independent garage who fitted the first cam belt as there is no contractual relationship with them.

If you bought eh car from a dealer within the last six months then you arguably have a case under the Sale of Goods Act but whether the court would decide the Act required the dealer to rectify the problem on an 11 year old car is debaeable - my guess is they would not.

If it was a private purchase you have no recourse in any event.

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Thu 19 May 2011 12:15
Renault Megane - Cam belt incorrectly fitted - Collos25
Did you not notice the engine was running rough when you bought it.
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Thu 19 May 2011 15:31
Renault Megane - Cam belt incorrectly fitted - bonzo dog

I do not have the receipt, but was assured that it had been done.

Hi Colhills, sorry to hear about your problems & whilst I can't advise you how to rectify the matter, this is a lesson for the future:-

The vast majority of people selling cars (dealers, traders, salesmen & privates) say what the potential buyer wants to hear; if it is the truth, fair enough, if it is a lie, so what!

"Full service history? - of course"

"One owner? - yes"

"The current model? - yes" etc etc

If the question you ask is important enough to you, get the answer in writing before you part with your dosh. E-mail is the best tool for this, plus ensure you get an invoice at time of collection.

By the way, customers who PX their cars are just as much liars as the dealers!

Good luck

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Thu 19 May 2011 20:09
Renault Megane - Cam belt incorrectly fitted - injection doc

to correct the cam belt timing is almost as big a job as replacing the belt. If I were a garage putting it right I too would fit new belt etc as you would expect a warranty and I would not be prepared to warranty someone else's parts. Yes there are special tools for a 1.4 16v and those that attempt to do without the correct tools do so at a high risk.

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