We’ve all been there – that moment when our trusty Peugeot starts acting up, and we’re left wondering what’s causing the issue. One often overlooked culprit is the wet belt, a crucial component in many Peugeot models like the 208, 2008, and 3008. As car owners, we need to understand the importance of Peugeot wet belt replacement to keep our vehicles running smoothly and avoid costly breakdowns.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Peugeot wet belts and why they’re so important. We’ll explore the signs that tell us it’s time for a replacement, break down the step-by-step process of changing a wet belt, and discuss the costs involved. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave it to the professionals, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your Peugeot’s maintenance.
Understanding the Peugeot Wet Belt System
What is a wet belt?
We often hear about timing belts in cars, but wet belts are a bit different. A wet belt, also known as a timing belt in oil system, is a crucial component in many Peugeot models. Unlike traditional ‘dry’ timing belts that sit outside the engine crankcase, wet belts are fully encased within the engine and bathed in oil.
This innovative system has been around for over 15 years, with manufacturers like Peugeot (part of the PSA group), Ford, and Volkswagen adopting it in their vehicles. The wet belt is made from materials like rubber or elastomers such as nitrile, neoprene, or polyurethane. These belts also include reinforcing cords to control tension and an oil-resistant coating to improve durability.
One interesting feature of wet belts is their tooth design. Initially, they had a straight-cut tooth profile, but over time, with advancements in manufacturing techniques, the teeth now have a curved design. This change has made the teeth less prone to wear, improving durability and ensuring quieter operation.
Why Peugeot uses wet belts
Peugeot, like other manufacturers, introduced wet belt systems for several compelling reasons:
Longer maintenance intervals: The constant oil lubrication reduces friction and wear, extending the belt’s life and reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Improved cooling: The oil helps dissipate heat generated during operation, contributing to better temperature management.
Noise reduction: The oil dampens vibrations, leading to quieter engine operation.
Weight reduction: Wet belt systems allow for a reduction in the weight of components.
Compact design: They enable a reduction in engine size, maximising efficiency.
Meeting emissions targets: The system helps Peugeot meet stringent environmental regulations.
These advantages have made wet belt systems an attractive option for Peugeot in their quest to produce more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Common issues with wet belts
While wet belt systems offer numerous benefits, they’re not without their challenges. Here are some common issues we’ve observed:
Premature wear: Even small impurities in the engine oil, such as soot particles and crystalline compounds, can lead to early belt wear. This can result in material detaching from the belt, which can clog the oil sump philtre and cause oil starvation.
Oil pressure problems: If belt debris clogs the oil pathways, particularly in the oil pickup strainer, it can trigger a low oil pressure warning. We’ve seen cases where this has happened after as little as 40,000 miles.
Brake vacuum pump issues: The detachment of material from the timing belt can affect the brake vacuum pump, potentially leading to safety risks.
Oil level sensitivity: Operating with insufficient oil levels can harm the longevity of the wet belt. It’s crucial to maintain proper oil levels and use the correct oil specification.
Shortened lifespan: Some workshops and dealerships are now recommending shorter replacement intervals as belt failures are occurring at much lower mileages than initially expected.
At Frank Brown Motor Engineers, we’ve seen our fair share of wet belt issues in Peugeot vehicles. That’s why we offer specialised wet belt replacement services. We understand the intricacies of these systems and use only manufacturer-approved parts and oils to ensure the best performance and longevity.
We strongly recommend regular checks and timely replacements of wet belts to our Peugeot customers. By doing so, we can help prevent costly engine damage and ensure your Peugeot continues to run smoothly and efficiently. Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure when it comes to wet belt maintenance!
Signs Your Peugeot Needs a Wet Belt Replacement
We’ve seen our fair share of wet belt issues at Frank Brown Motor Engineers, and we’ve learned to spot the telltale signs that indicate a replacement is needed. It’s crucial to be aware of these symptoms to avoid costly engine damage and ensure your Peugeot stays in top condition. Let’s dive into the main indicators that your wet belt might be on its last legs.
Oil pressure faults
One of the most common signs we encounter is oil pressure-related issues. If you’re driving your Peugeot and suddenly see an “oil pressure fault” warning on your dashboard, it’s time to pay attention. We’ve had customers report that these warnings sometimes don’t stay up long enough to read, which can be quite frustrating.
In some cases, you might notice your car going into “safe drive home mode,” where it crawls along at a snail’s pace. This is your Peugeot’s way of protecting itself from further damage. We’ve seen this happen in vehicles as young as two years old with only 35,000 miles on the clock.
The root cause? Often, it’s the timing belt deteriorating and blocking the oil philtre. This can lead to serious engine problems if not addressed promptly. At Frank Brown Motor Engineers, we use specialised diagnostic tools to pinpoint these issues accurately.
Engine performance issues
Another red flag we often see is a sudden drop in engine performance. You might notice your Peugeot struggling to accelerate or maintain speed, especially at higher RPMs. We’ve had customers report that their cars refuse to do much when the engine reaches 4-5,000 RPM.
In some cases, you might be able to drive normally as long as you keep the RPMs below 3,500. However, we strongly advise against this as a long-term solution. Even if the warning isn’t triggering constantly, your engine might not be getting enough oil, which can lead to severe damage.
We’ve also noticed that some Peugeots start using more oil than usual after a wet belt replacement. If you find yourself needing to top up with nearly a litre of oil every 1,500 miles or so, it’s worth getting it checked out.
Unusual noises
Keep your ears open for any unusual sounds coming from your engine. We’ve had customers report squealing or chirping noises, particularly in older models. While some garages might dismiss these as normal for an ageing car, we at Frank Brown Motor Engineers take them seriously.
These noises could indicate issues with the auxiliary belt or other components related to the wet belt system. If you notice the chirping becoming audible inside the car, it’s definitely time to have it checked out.
At Frank Brown Motor Engineers, we offer specialised wet belt replacement services for Peugeot vehicles. We understand the intricacies of these systems and use only manufacturer-approved parts and oils to ensure the best performance and longevity.
Regular checks and timely replacements of wet belts are crucial to prevent costly engine damage. We recommend having your Peugeot’s wet belt system inspected if you notice any of these signs, even if your car hasn’t reached the recommended replacement interval.
Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure when it comes to wet belt maintenance. By addressing these issues early, you can avoid more serious problems down the road and keep your Peugeot running smoothly for years to come.
Step-by-Step Wet Belt Replacement Process
At Frank Brown Motor Engineers, we’ve got years of experience replacing wet belts on Peugeot cars. We know how crucial this component is for your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Let’s walk through the process we follow to ensure your Peugeot gets the care it deserves.
Preparing the vehicle
First things first, we need to get your Peugeot ready for the wet belt replacement. We start by removing the inlet manifold, which can be a bit tricky. We often have to drop the engine mount down a tad to wiggle it out. It’s fiddly, but it’s necessary to access the cam cover.
Next, we remove the wiper and curl at the bottom of the wipers. We also take out the air box and battery to create more space. This allows us to shimmy the intake manifold out more easily.
Removing the old belt
Once we’ve got access, we set up the timing on the engine. We look for two little cutouts that need to be facing roughly about five o’clock. Then, we use a special tool to lock the crankshaft. There’s a small recess in the block where it slides through and locks into the flywheel.
We also need to lock the camshaft with another special tool. It’s cut out to slide over the cams, and we use two bolts from the cam cover to lock it in place.
With everything secured, we remove the inner wheel arch to get at the tensioner. This allows us to take off the alternator belt and water pump belt. We then remove a small plastic cover to reveal the tensioner and ruler.
Now comes the tricky part – removing the old belt. Contrary to what some might think, we don’t always need to remove the camshafts. With a bit of finesse, we can manoeuvre the belt around them.
Installing the new belt
For the new belt, we use a high-quality Decor one. We carefully feed it down, pinching it and giving it a twist to help it along. It’s a bit of a nightmare, but with patience, we get it on the crank fully.
Next, we fit a new idler and tensioner. We put the crankshaft pulley back in but leave it loose. Then we get on the tensioner, turning it anti-clockwise. You should see the crank turn slightly as you tighten it up. We line up the marks and torque it to 20 newton metres.
We then tighten the crankshaft bolt to 50 newton metres and give it a 180-degree turn. After that, we remove the locking pins from the crank and camshafts.
Post-replacement checks
After installation, we always do a thorough check. We turn the engine over manually to ensure our timing marks line up perfectly. We use Tipp-Ex marks and our special tool to double-check alignment.
One crucial step that many overlook is cleaning the oil pickup. When we change the timing belt, we always remove the sump. The reason? With a wet belt system, rubber fibres can block the oil philtre. We clean the pickup and the sump itself thoroughly.
Finally, we put everything back together, including a new auxiliary drive belt if needed. We refill the oil, using a new philtre and sump plug.
At Frank Brown Motor Engineers, we go the extra mile to ensure your Peugeot’s wet belt replacement is done right. We understand the intricacies of these systems and use only manufacturer-approved parts. Regular wet belt replacements are crucial to prevent costly engine damage and keep your Peugeot running smoothly. Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure when it comes to wet belt maintenance!
Our Thoughts
Wet belt replacement is a crucial aspect of Peugeot maintenance, playing a vital role in keeping these vehicles running smoothly and efficiently. As we’ve seen, timely replacements can prevent costly engine damage and ensure optimal performance. At Frank Brown Motor Engineers, we offer specialised wet belt replacement services for Peugeot cars, using our expertise and manufacturer-approved parts to give your vehicle the care it deserves.
Regular checks and proactive maintenance are key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and extending your Peugeot’s lifespan. By staying on top of wet belt replacements, you’re not just maintaining your car; you’re investing in its future performance and reliability. Book Your Wet Belt Replacement Today to keep your Peugeot in top shape and enjoy peace of mind on the road.
FAQs
1. How frequently should a Peugeot’s wet belt be replaced?
It is generally recommended that these belts be replaced every 10 years or 150,000 miles. However, due to factors such as insufficient servicing, poor maintenance, or the use of incorrect oils, many belts fail before reaching these milestones. Therefore, a more cautious approach would be to replace the belt every 8 years or at 80,000 miles.
2. What is the expected lifespan of a wet belt in a Peugeot?
For Peugeots, it is advised to replace the wet belt either every 6 years or after 62,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, there is a recall inspection to measure the belt to determine if it has swollen beyond a certain threshold and is at risk of starting to shed.
3. What advantages does a wet timing belt offer?
A wet timing belt, which is a crucial engine component, ensures the synchronisation of the crankshaft and camshaft rotations. Unlike traditional dry timing belts, wet timing belts are lubricated by the engine oil, providing enhanced cooling and durability.
4. Is it necessary to replace the timing belt and the water pump simultaneously?
While it’s not compulsory to replace the timing belt and the water pump at the same time, doing so is strongly recommended. This is because both components typically experience similar wear and mileage, and replacing both simultaneously minimises the risk of engine damage.
