My Modus has done 83000 miles and I asked my local garage to change the timing belt.

They had a go but said that it needed a special part/tool which was only available at a Renault Garage.

I phoned Renault and they quoted me £600 +

I can't afford this but apparently I need to change the belt due to the mileage.

Any ideas?

CLIVE JONES, October 2010

No one does a manual for these cars ,but its the same as a Renault Clio 3 , the can lock tool can be bought for appx £25 ,the two locking pins are only like a couple of bolts some people use drill bits , £600 for timing belt is an absolute rip off check out the timing belt kits on eBay ,its better to fit a water pump at the same time ,labour should not be more than a £100 .

Check out a 1.4 or 1.6 you tube vid for a Clio 3 it will tell you what's involved !
Hope this helps .

peter hicks, August 2015

hi you have 2 options here!
first if it the diesel 1.5 dci they are on about the crank locking tool that goes through the casing and locks the crank in the correct position.
The petrol models use the same but also the cams have a tool too!
the job can be done with out these tools very easly i would take it to a garage that will do it with out the tools .There are mechanics out there that will do the job by making there own timing marks or using there own methods
secondly
These tools you need are abt £40 on ebay do a search for renault timing tool and look through for the 1 thats for your engine *-) cheaper than stealership prices!!!!!

Brett, October 2010

Thanks for the reply.
The cost is mostly labour I think . My local garage says this particular model is not in his garage "bible" or in any of his mechanic mates.

Clive, October 2010

i take it the £600 + was to change the belt, depending on what "special" tool is required, you can sometimes make one. try and find a haynes manual for your car, as they can tell you how to get around the problem you are facing.

hope it helps, October 2010