FIAT Punto II (1999 - 2006) - 01 1.2 Cambelt Replacement

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Thu 2 Oct 2008 23:23
01 1.2 Cambelt Replacement - adampbrown
My 2001 Punto has 53,000 miles on the clock and a local mechanic has advised that I should have the cambelt replaced as he diagnosed a high pitched hum on acceleration as the bearing wearing.

I would appreciate it if somebody could offer advice on the following:

1) Does that sound like a sensible diagnoses?
2) How much should I aim to pay for a cambelt replacement?
3) I have heard advice that I should have the water pump replaced at the same time - why is this? Are the timing belt and water pump connected in some way on this model?

Advice on any or all of the above would be much appreciated.
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Thu 2 Oct 2008 23:46
01 1.2 Cambelt Replacement - big davey
Hi, the water pump is driven by the tining belt but if there is no signs of water leaking from the gland, i would just leave well alone, this is a safe engine, (asuming its a 8 valve engine) and its a very easy job to do, should the pump go at a later date. The high pitched hum could well be the tensioner, normally you get hum if you tension a new belt to tight.Be sure to put a kit on and not just a belt. I quite often replace water pumps on engines when doing timing belts if its a long or difficult job and especially if its a Renault where you always get water stains from the gland. The gland is a little drilled hole in a water pump which allows water, should it get past the seal to run out .

Hope this helps.
Davey
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Tue 7 Oct 2008 11:14
01 1.2 Cambelt Replacement - FT
Hi,

With regards to the cost of a new cambelt and tensioner kit, I paid approximately £120 for mine ('03 1.2 8v). Got this done at Nationwide Autocentre in July '08 at 62K. I agree, it is important to get both done and not just the belt. The garage didn't mention anything about the water pump, but can't see why they would as it would be more a precautionary thing to get changed (and if you've got the extra cash to spend!).
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