cambelt replacement

midlandsowner · Aug 31, 2015

so I need to replace my cambelt, and I am just looking for an alternative from going to the main dealer.

I know there are various threads on here, and I have looked at them but most of them are old, so I am seeking an update on where best to go.

Having been before, I would prefer Fred at BTM, but I spoke to him and with me looking to make a booking for a Saturday(no work time left to book a day off), he now prefers not to work Saturdays, though I may try to persuade him

519Automotive. now finished?
Anglework? still going or no good?
been to rentech in Portsmouth, I will travel but a bit too far.
birchdown. sound like a possibility.

anymore recommendations welcome, though I may go for a dealer, cant be that bad can they? lol.

dablk · Aug 31, 2015

Birchdown are very good. I dont know about saturdays thought.

I believe Mick at diamond is also an option in nottignham although i have never used him.

Farnsworth · Aug 31, 2015

A main dealer will be a lot more expensive than an indie. Whereabouts are you? The Saturday slot could be difficult with many though.

Also it's worth considering dephaser and water pump replacement.

midlandsowner · Sep 1, 2015

Thanks for the replies.

both Fred and the dealer did say the water pump should be replaced, ref being ten years old so I am happy to do that.

im in northants, so can travel to Birchdown and Diamond. though problem being unlikely to find replacement on a Saturday, see what I can arrange with work.

Claude · Sep 1, 2015

I've heard others recommend Barrie Plant in Bicester, just down the A43, although I don't have personal experience. Worth a phone call perhaps. I believe he's a Renaultsport specialist that runs under the radar. Maybe.

Another option is Dan Potter @ SJM, although Glastonbury is quite a trek.

Then there's Mike Woodford in Staines but he's no longer a full-time mechanic as he's pursuing another career but he still does work on the side, I just don't know how much time he spends on customer cars these days.

Big Dave · Sep 4, 2015

I know for certain that Birchdown dont work Saturdays.
My car is in need of a new cambelt and was wanting it done this Sat. But the answer was no.
It was booked in for monday 7 sept but unfortunately i had to cancel due to health problems... So there could well be a slot for you to get it done on Monday...

midlandsowner · Sep 8, 2015

thanks again for the replies, cambelt change on a Saturday does seem out of the question.

at least I have new possibilities I didn't know, will give the ones mentioned a call, mike in Nottingham looks good to me.

cheers big dave, couldn't make Monday but Birchdown I know come highly recommended.

Tommo. · Sep 8, 2015

Mick at Diamond Motors works Saturday or at least he did when I was last there a few months ago.

He would be my choice regardless, he has done work on various Clios I've owned and I've always been impressed. He has a good eye for detail and doesn't cut corners.

Karltrophy · Sep 9, 2015

Thats half the battle, cant be dealing with corner cutters an people that rush jobs and leave bolts missing etc drives me mad! lol

midlandsowner · Apr 7, 2016

sorry to drag this up again but not having much luck finding anyone.

is Fred @ BTM still going? I see website is down but no answer after many calls put in.
called Birchdown and left message but no reply!!
tried Mike @ Diamond but hasn't worked out for one reason or another.

anyone tried Renault specialist in West brom?

think ill have to try a main Dealer

many thanks for your help

417Capsicum · Apr 8, 2016

Birchdown offer a great service and price. Never been let down and wouldn't use anyone else now.

Claude · Apr 8, 2016

Personally I wouldn't use a dealer for this job, I'd only go to a specialist who works on the F4R and its stablemates day in day out.

I believe Fred at BTM is no longer trading.

If Dan Potter at SJM in Glastonbury is too far, and if Mick at Diamond Motors nr Nottingham isn't an option for whatever reason then Birchdown are your best bet, by default.

Just keep calling until someone answers, I'm not a fan of leaving messages myself.

Did you try Barrie Plant in Bicester? Another option is Andy Reid at ARM in Newbury.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

midlandsowner · Apr 8, 2016

thanks for the replies guys, always appreciated.

some different options I wasn't aware of, I guess I just need to persevere a little more in some cases.

shame Fred no longer seems available. I completely forgot about Barry Plant.

thanks again

Big Dave · Apr 8, 2016

Birchdown are good.
Theyve recently done my car...
They do get busy, so persevere on the phone...