[northwick]

Hello,

I changed the oil, oil filter and air filter on my 156 V6 Sportwagon today (proud!). I also changed the front lights, front grill and washer jets after a minor bump a few weeks ago.

Whilst doing all this I caught a glimpse of the cam belt. I assume that all the little breaks are not supposed to be there and it needs changing?

Jon

 

[115686]

That's not the cam belt - it is the aux belt. It is indeed knackered. Change it, because it is possible for it to take the cam belt with it when it goes. Very easy job (easier than that damn oil filter anyway) just lock off the tensioner with a 15 MM spanner and a nail, remove old belt, put new belt on, take the nail out of the tensioner to retention.

When was your cam belt last done?

 

[rc_addicted]

Firstly that's not your cambelt.. It's your aux belt which is a external belt your cambelt would be a internal belt that drive your cam and crank pulley normally found under a cover on the left or right side of the engine

There always one person that beats you too while your typing it out lol

 

[Davffc]

It needs changing for sure - only thats not the cam belt

Alfa Romeo 156 Auxiliary Belt

 

[northwick]

Ah, excellent. Thank you.

The cam belt is coming up for 4yrs in April and about 30,000 miles. I didn't look that closely - just focussing on the oil and filters - but when I saw it I was shocked it was in such a state and assumed the worst.

 

[northwick]

Just looking at some more photos - I suppose it is obvious that it isn't the cam belt because it doesn't have the right teeth. Daft from me!

 

[tony4hop]

Just looking at some more photos - I suppose it is obvious that it isn't the cam belt because it doesn't have the right teeth. Daft from me!

I wouldn't worry about it - I'm no spanner monkey either that's why I'm on here - loads of great advice (thanks to all!).

Look on the bright side you did spot something wrong, and got some good advice too :thumbup:

 

[halftone]

I'd do that/get that done ASAP, it's not long for this world. Well spotted.

 

[kandlbarrett]

As RXE has stated that belt is not in good condition and on the 2 litre if that breaks it can take the cambelt with it and you are in a world of pain. I don't know if that also applies to the V6 engine but if it does you are in dangerous territory.

Personally if that belt was changed with the last cambelt change I am surprised it is in such poor condition. That makes me question whether it was changed and the quality of the previous work.

Most Alfa specialists are recommending 4 years or 48,000 mile for a V6 cambelt life and NOT the 72,000 or 6 years that Alfa specify.

 

[David C]

That looks considerably older than 4-years, so was probably refitted to cut the cost of the cambelt change. Not unusual, many places give a low price for a cambelt change by only changing the cambelt and nothing else...

I'd get that changed ASAP.
The attached pic will help when you try to fit the new one.

 

[northwick]

It is booked in for cam belt and aux belt on Thursday at NJS in Pershore. Its done 30k since the last one but its 4yrs ago. I think you are right - there's no way that the aux belt is only 4yrs old - didn't change it at the last cam belt change.

I don't seem to be leaking any oil so my oil and filter change seems to have gone well and saved me some £ for the cam belt work.

Thank you for all your input.

 

[NJS Alfa]

car is ready
and I have to say a very nice rare v6 156 sportwagon