Laguna timing belt

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Wed 31 Jul 2002 13:12
Laguna timing belt - johnny
98 Laguna 1.6 16v timing belt replacement - Does it require Renault specialist tools or would any garage be capable of doing it?
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Wed 31 Jul 2002 14:39
Laguna timing belts. - M.M
Johnny,

Interesting you should mention this today as I'm battling a customer's Laguna 2.2D timing belt at the moment. Never have I encountered such a tight access between the inner wing and engine. Without experience and determination you'd say the job was impossible. Lots of hidden bolts to remove with fingertip access only and space to turn the spanner one flat at a time...pig of a job.

The book time for the job is 5hrs and Renault advise fitting a timing belt kit of belt, tensioner, idler etc. Kit costs about £135 then add dealer charges of 5hrs at perhaps £50/hr inc vat. Near on £400??!!

If the 1.6 16V is anything like the 2.0 16V (N7Q engine) similar problems may be faced. The book time for that is over 4hrs and a load of special tools are advised.

Only use an independent who you trust to overcome the problems properly and not just bodge it.

As I was taking this diesel belt off it actually looked in very good condition and it crossed my mind some might be tempted to throw the covers back on without ever changing the belt and take a chance!



David W
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Wed 31 Jul 2002 20:57
Laguna timing belts. - M.M
Sorry to hijack the thread Johnny....

I've got the belt and tensioner assy off this diesel Laguna now and the findings are interesting.

The belt looked OK until I twisted it inside out, then I could see a split starting across the width of the belt at one of the tooth roots. This was allowing the tooth to start separating from the belt backing. I wonder how much longer that would have gone?

The tensioner bearing is just starting to sound noisy and show a little play. There are signs it was running a little hot and with the plastic wheel on a steel bearing it is possible this could have failed sometime soon.

Mileage only 43K when Renault say leave it to 72K!!

Hope the customer appreciates it.

David W
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Thu 1 Aug 2002 05:48
Laguna timing belts. - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
I had exactly the same findings when I changed the belt on my Espace 2.2dt at 1/2 the recommended mileage. There was no way it would have run the distance. It has now done another 12000 since then and will be changed again in a few weeks when I have the engine out to fit new thrust washers to the crank to hopefully prevent them dropping out. Getting back to the original thread I changed the belt on a 2.0 16v V40 Volvo which is the same lump, complete b****** of a job with the aircon pipes getting in the way at every opportunity etc, etc. I had everything I needed in the way of pins etc from the various kits in the van but I wouldn't do another in a hurry. Incidentally I fitted the complete kit of belt, tensioner and guides from Volvo, I should imagine similar available from Renault plus change the w/pump at the same time!
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Thu 1 Aug 2002 21:15
Laguna timing belts. - johnny
Thanks for the info - I hope that being a 1.6 engine without air-con there's a bit more room under the bonnet than the diesel. I might hang on until my next trip to France - I know the labour is cheaper, but are Renault parts as pricey in France?
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