C4 1.6 vti timing belt CITROËN C4 III (B_)

Hey mate, I don't have a full manual but I changed mine on a similar engine last year. The basic process is pretty straightforward - you need locking tools for the crank and cams, remove the engine mount and covers, then follow the belt routing starting from the crank sprocket. The tensioner needs to be adjusted with a 6mm Allen key until the pointer sits in the middle of the recess.

@C. L. If you're doing it yourself, the trickiest bit is getting the timing pins to line up properly. Make sure you rotate the engine two full turns after fitting the new belt to check everything aligns again. I marked everything with paint before removing the old belt just to be safe.

honestly i'd just take it to a garage for this job, tried it once on my old pug and ended up with the timing out by a tooth... cost me more to fix than if i'd just paid someone in the first place 😅

@L-L-L fair enough but it's not that hard if you're methodical about it. Did mine on the driveway with basic tools plus the locking kit I borrowed from a mate. Saved about £300 doing it myself, just took an afternoon.

@C. L. you'll definitely need the special locking tools though - don't try without them. There's camshaft locking pins and a crankshaft locking tool, without those you're just guessing. Saw someone try to do it by eye once and the engine wouldn't even start after.

Important thing, replace the water pump at the same time since you're in there anyway. Mine started leaking 6 months after I only did the belt, had to strip it all down again which was proper annoying.

@CharlesV +1 on that, also do the tensioner and idler pulleys. The kit with everything included isn't much more expensive than just the belt. Penny wise pound foolish otherwise.

@C. L. The torque settings are critical - crankshaft pulley needs proper specs and the tensioner bolt too. Don't just guess it or you'll have issues. Think it was around 60Nm for some bolts but check properly before you start.

I found a decent video guide when I did my C4 a while back that showed the whole process step by step. Much easier to follow along with visuals than trying to read instructions, especially for the belt routing order.

@owen_m how long did it actually take you? been thinking about doing mine but worried i'll get halfway through and get stuck on something

@C. Smith took me about 4-5 hours total but that included a coffee break and double checking everything. If you've done belts before probably closer to 3 hours, first time maybe plan for a full day.