How to Install the Timing Belt on a Peugeot 1.2T Engine?
4 Answers
Installation method for the Peugeot 1.2T timing belt: 1. Align the timing mark on the camshaft timing gear with the mark on the valve cover. 2. Align the timing mark on the crankshaft timing gear with the mark on the front cover. 3. Install all components of the timing belt in sequence. 4. Loosen the pulley mounting bolts by 1/4-1/2 turns, compress the automatic tensioner pushrod to the lowest position, insert a steel pin into the hole, adjust the pulley with a snap ring pliers, rotate counterclockwise until the pulley adjustment hole is parallel to the ground, tighten the fixing bolts, and remove the steel pin. 5. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise for 2 turns and check if the timing marks are correctly aligned. 6. Reinstall the engine timing belt cover. 7. Reinstall the generator and air conditioning compressor belt.
Last time I replaced the timing belt on my Peugeot 1.2T, the whole process was quite mentally taxing. First, I let the engine cool down completely, then disconnected the battery's negative terminal to prevent electric shock and drained the coolant to reduce leakage risks. Next, I removed the front engine cover and auxiliary drive belt to expose the timing system. The crucial step was aligning the crankshaft and camshaft positions - I used a specialized camshaft locking pin tool to secure the shafts, ensuring precise gear marking alignment. When removing the old belt, I checked its wear condition and found severe aging. Installing the new belt required extreme care, starting from the bottom pulley teeth and slowly threading it on to ensure each tooth groove fit perfectly without gaps. The tension adjustment was the most troublesome part, requiring precise measurement with a tension gauge - too tight would strain bearings, too loose would cause slippage. After installation, I reassembled all components and ran the engine for several minutes for testing - no abnormal noises meant success. This DIY project took me over half a day, demanding high concentration and professional tools. While it saved labor costs, the risks were considerable.
Installing a timing belt is no trivial matter, especially for engines like the Peugeot 1.2T, which have a precise structure where even a slight misalignment can cause the engine to seize and become irreparable. I've studied the manual myself and observed technicians at work—the process involves locking the camshaft with specialized tools, aligning the crankshaft marks, and adjusting the tension after fitting the new belt. However, unexpected issues often arise during actual operation, such as loose screws or inadequate tools, which can easily lead to mistakes. I recommend avoiding DIY attempts and instead visiting an authorized 4S shop. They have original tools and trained professionals who can complete the job quickly and offer a warranty. If you attempt it yourself and fail, the repair costs can skyrocket to tens of thousands, outweighing any potential savings. Peugeot's timing systems are prone to issues, so regular inspections and replacements every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers are crucial—don't delay. Safety comes first; opting for professional service is the wisest choice, saving both time and effort.
Here’s a brief guide on replacing the timing belt: First, let the engine cool and disconnect the battery. Remove the cover and auxiliary belt to expose the timing wheels. Secure the camshaft position and rotate the crankshaft to the alignment mark. Remove the old belt and clean the gear teeth. Install the new belt, ensuring it sits flat and aligns with each gear, then adjust the tensioner to the proper tension. Manually rotate the engine a few turns to test smoothness. Finally, reassemble all components and start the engine to confirm no unusual noises, indicating success. Essential tools like alignment pins are crucial to prevent wheel misalignment during the process. The entire procedure takes about two hours, with careful attention to critical steps.
