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Timing Belt Replacement

Model: Citroen Xsara MK 1 - Years 1997-2006
Part: Timing belt

It is advised to undertake this maintenance only if you have good general mechanical knowledge, as a simple mistake in positioning the timing belt could severely damage the engine. Start by removing the front left wheel and the wheel arch cover to facilitate access to the timing pulleys. Loosen the auxiliary belt tensioner and remove it. Remove the crankshaft pulley and begin disassembling the protective elements of the timing belt. Rotate the crankshaft pulley before removing the belt to align the timing marks and insert the locking pins into the camshaft pulley and flywheel (the starter motor must also be removed). Position a support jack under the engine and remove the side support. At this point, unscrew the fixing pin of the tensioner pulley to remove it and then slide off the timing belt (wear marks should be evident). Next, remove the idler pulley and water pump, which should always be replaced along with the belt. Install the new water pump, new tensioner, and new idler pulley before moving on to fitting the new timing belt, ensuring it is correctly tensioned. Remove the pins and rotate the crankshaft two complete turns (two turns correspond to one intake and exhaust cycle) to verify the timing accuracy. Reassemble everything that was previously removed, top up the coolant, bleed the system, and start the engine.

Updated on 13 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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