Cambelts:
For cambelt changes we only use the genuine camshaft locking tools supplied by Alfa.
We have locking tools for all the engines, including the 3.2V6 GTA. We also use the correct cambelt tensioning tool, and find TDC using a dial gauge.
We urge that Alfa Romeo owners are cautious when getting quotes for work on their cars, as ‘cheap’ cambelt changes can be attractive but will not cover all the required parts to do the job completely. There is little point in avoiding the replacement of parts only to suffer expensive consequences in the future. Do be sure to get a detailed quotation of the parts that are going to be replaced, as main dealers often miss out the important Auxiliary belt and idlers.

Services:
Our services are according to the manufacturer’s service schedule which ensures that your car will maintain maximum reliability, performance and enjoyment. We have altered the intervals slightly, in particular cambelt changes.

Below is our recommendation:
1.6/1.8/2.0 engines – To be replaced every 36000 miles or 3 years, whichever is soonest.

2.5/3.0/3.2 V6 engines – 50000 miles or 5 years, whichever is soonest.

The 1.6/1.8/2.0 engines may require an inlet camshaft variator which can be replaced at the same time as the cambelt for an additional £90. Symptoms of needing a new variator are a diesel type rattle from the engine, particularly noticeable from cold, and may last up to a few minutes

For 2.5 and 3.2 litre V6 engines you should consider replacing the water pump with a cambelt change, as these engines were fitted with a plastic impellor pump, which have been known to fail. Alfa decided to fit the superior metal impellor pump to the 3.0 V6 engines as standard.

All of our service prices are the final figure that you pay. There are no hidden costs, or parts that are at an extra charge on the day. Again this highlights garages that are offering what appears to be a cheaply priced service cost, when there are hidden costs presented on the day.

Service intervals – If you are unsure what type of service you are due, then feel free to call us and we will quote accordingly based on the mileage of your vehicle. We also offer a Basic service which is aimed at the more meticulous owner, who likes to go that extra mile and have an oil change in between the recommended service intervals, ideal for people that use their car for purposes such as track day events or just general
‘enthusiastic’ driving.

Clutches:
All our clutch changes are using a genuine Alfa Romeo 3 piece clutch kit. We also include a clutch slave cylinder in our clutch change prices.

Many people put off replacing the clutch on cars due to the expense. The clutch will commonly wear in a few different ways.

Clutch judder - shows that the clutch is just old, and the springs are worn and can no longer absorb the shock, therefore you feel it through the pedal.

Clutch slip - this is when the pressure plate is worn and not holding the friction plate against the engine firm enough, thus causing the friction to slip on the flywheel. If your clutch is slipping and ignored, then it can cause damage or hotspots to the flywheel, leading to replacement or the need for the flywheel to be skimmed.

Loss of clutch pedal - often caused by a failure of the hydraulic clutch operation such as the clutch slave cylinder. This causes the pedal to remain on the floor, or early symptoms are a slightly floppy clutch pedal. Losing the pedal completely could also be failure of the clutch release bearing.

Please call us for up to date price quotations.