Alfa 156 timing belt.

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Tue 30 Nov 2004 10:12
Alfa 156 timing belt. - alfaboy
I want to have the belt changed on my alfa but i'm told that there are special tools required which are unavailable outside the dealer network. An independent alfa specialist has advised that these aren't necessary if the old belt is removed and the new one substituted having marked the position of the cogs beforehand. This sounds fair enough but would the old belt have streched to any degree to make the new one out of sync?
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Tue 30 Nov 2004 10:14
Alfa 156 timing belt. - No Do$h
The special tool is effectively two pegs to lock the camshaft in place. I've got details on where to get the tool somewhere. Leave it with me.


No Do$h - Alfa-driving Backroom Moderator
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Tue 30 Nov 2004 10:49
Alfa 156 timing belt. - No Do$h
www.ebspares.co.uk/new23.htm

Highly recommended company. I know loads of people who use them for all kinds of parts.

The "pegs" approach is a DIY bodge and requires a fair bit of fabrication, whereas the tool you see here does it properly. Know what I'd rather do!
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Tue 30 Nov 2004 13:25
Alfa 156 timing belt. - alfaboy
Thanks v much, change due @ 72K I'm on 61 better safe than sorry.
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Tue 30 Nov 2004 15:12
Alfa 156 timing belt. - No Do$h
There's a TSB out on the 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 recommending a full visual inspection at 36k. This is a complete nonsense as to fully inspect it you have to remove it. As the belt only costs around £35 the idea of putting the old one back is laughable. But still dealers stick to this nonsensical approach as Alfa UK won't insist that the belts are actually replaced at this age.

There have been numerous instances of 156s shredding belts, usually with a £2k rebuild as "punishment".

Makes you wonder if a 36k change would price the 156 out of the fleet market on the grounds of high servicing costs.

I don't know too many 156 owners who don't get their belts changed at 36k. I changed mine (2.4 JTD) at 32k even though there are no reports of JTDs throwing a belt. I would recommend you get the belt changed pronto.

Have fun,

ND
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