For motorhomes, campervans and vans

Timing belt replacement for your Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Jumper

The Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper share a lot of technology, but the engine decides whether your van has a timing belt or a timing chain. Even if you drive little, a timing belt ages over time and with the conditions it stands in. If the belt breaks, it can cause serious engine damage. So have the belt checked and replaced in good time. You hear in advance what the agreed work costs.

Rotterdam family business since 1979  |  4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews

The short answer

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde replaces the timing belt on the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper, including motorhomes and vans up to 3,500 kg. We look up whether your van has a belt or a chain, and when it needs replacing, using your registration number, the engine code and the manufacturer’s schedule. You hear in advance, by phone or in the workshop, what it costs, and we only do extra work once you agree.

The widely used 2.3 Multijet in the Ducato usually has a timing belt. For some versions an age limit of five years is given, even with low mileage. That is why age often counts for more than mileage on a motorhome. The 3.0 engine usually has a timing chain.

Call us on +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready.

Belt or chain? How it works per engine

The Ducato, Boxer and Jumper share their body, but not every version has the same engine. The overview below is therefore a general guide. We check the correct timing system and replacement interval for each van using your registration number, the engine code and the manufacturer’s schedule.

Engine Years Timing system Replacement, guide
2.5 and 2.8 diesel up to 2006 Timing belt on various versions According to the schedule. On some motorhomes we advise replacing it sooner
2.3 JTD, Ducato 2002 to 2006 Usually a timing belt According to the schedule. We check the version
2.3 Multijet, Ducato 2006 to 2021 Usually a timing belt According to the schedule. For some versions an age limit of five years is given
2.2 HDi and 2.2 Multijet 100 depends on the version Check by engine code No general interval without checking the specific engine
2.0 BlueHDi, Boxer and Jumper 2015 to 2019 Timing belt According to the schedule. Ten years or about 150,000 km is often given
2.2 BlueHDi, Boxer and Jumper 2019 to 2024 Varies by version We check this using the engine code
3.0 Multijet and 3.0 HDi 2006 to 2016 Usually a timing chain No fixed replacement interval. Wear does need to be assessed
2.2 Multijet, Ducato from 2021 Check by version According to the manufacturer’s schedule. We look this up for you
Your van, looked up by registration number We look up the engine code and the correct manufacturer’s schedule for you. Call +31 10 479 00 00.

Every engine comes in versions with their own schedule. That is why we confirm the timing system and replacement interval using your registration number and engine code. Is it a passenger car? Then read our general page about timing belt replacement.

Why age matters on a motorhome

A motorhome is often driven little and regularly stands still for long periods. As a result, the timing belt ages with time, temperature changes and storage conditions. Small cracks or other wear are also not visible from the outside in every case.

Many motorhomes reach the age limit before they reach the mileage limit. That is why age can play an important role on a motorhome. The official manufacturer’s schedule remains the starting point.

If the belt breaks, the valves and pistons no longer run in sync. On certain engines these parts can hit each other, causing serious engine damage. Replacing the belt in good time reduces the risk of engine damage and of breaking down during your holiday.

If you plan the replacement shortly before the season, you can combine the work with the APK (MOT) for your motorhome, if your vehicle falls within our inspection approval. The APK is a legal inspection and not a service. Also read more about maintenance and repair of your motorhome.

Motorhome on a heavy-duty lift in the workshop of Autobedrijf Willemsbrug in Rotterdam

What we replace at the same time, and what we do not

We do not usually replace a timing belt on its own. Depending on the engine and the schedule, we also replace the tensioner and idler pulleys. That way worn parts do not damage a new belt.

During the work the auxiliary belt is often easy to reach. We assess its condition and discuss with you in advance whether replacing it is sensible or necessary.

On some 2.3 Multijet versions the timing belt also drives the water pump. In that case we usually advise replacing the water pump during the same job. After work on the cooling system we top up with the specified coolant.

If the water pump on your engine is not driven by the timing belt, we assess the pump separately. We then only replace parts that are due for replacement according to the schedule or based on their technical condition.

Does your engine have a timing chain that rattles? Then we first investigate the cause. If the chain, tensioner or guides are worn, we discuss replacement with you. Worn guides can shorten the life of a new chain.

Afterwards we record the work in our own system and, if you have a service book, in that too. That way you, and later a next owner, know when the timing belt or timing chain was checked or replaced.

From Hymer to self-build, from motorhome to work van

We see these vans in many different versions in our workshop. Below are three examples from practice.

Motorhomes on a Ducato base

A large share of motorhomes in Europe is built on a Fiat Ducato. Hymer, Bürstner, Adria, Knaus, Dethleffs and Pössl regularly use a Ducato, Boxer or Jumper base. The technology under the motorhome body can differ by year and version. That is why we check in advance which engine and which timing system your motorhome has.

Motorhomes up to 3,500 kg are welcome, as long as the vehicle fits within the technical capacity and dimensions of our lifts.

Boxer, Jumper and self-build

Across several generations, the Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper share their base with the Ducato and are popular with self-builders. Did you buy a campervan without a documented service history? Then preventive replacement can be a sensible choice.

We base our advice on the engine, age, mileage and available service records. After the work we record the date, so you know when the next check or replacement is due.

The van as a workhorse

As commercial vehicles, these vans also put in long days, or stand idle for weeks on a project. In both cases a timing belt can age with time.

We plan the work with you in advance, so you know how long your van is likely to be off the road. If you wish, we can also carry out the APK for your van during the same visit, if the vehicle falls within our inspection approval. Also read about commercial vehicle maintenance.

Mechanic replacing the timing belt and tensioners of a Fiat Ducato in the workshop
  • We work on the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper, including older engines.
  • We replace tensioner and idler pulleys according to the schedule or after assessment.
  • We discuss the auxiliary belt with you in advance.
  • Our lifts are suitable for vehicles up to 3,500 kg.
  • You get a quote in advance, including parts, labour and VAT.

A trusted address for your motorhome or van

Three badges, the same van, one trusted address

Because the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper share technology across several generations, we have experience with all three models. The specific engine and version remain decisive.

Using your registration number, we look up which engine your van has, whether that engine has a timing belt or a timing chain and what the manufacturer’s schedule says.

You then get a quote for the agreed work, including parts, labour and VAT. If we find further defects or extra necessary work during the job, we put them to you first. We do not carry this out without your agreement, unless we agreed otherwise in advance.

We also carry out engine repairs, such as head gasket replacement, in our own workshop. Ask in advance about the options for your vehicle.

Also read what happens during a service on your Fiat, Peugeot or Citroën.

Timing belt replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You can find us at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip). The A16 and A15 are also easy to reach from our location. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space.

Call us with your registration number to hand. We look up whether your engine has a timing belt or a timing chain and which manufacturer’s schedule applies. You then get a quote for the agreed work, including parts, labour and VAT.

The work often takes a full day, but the time depends on the engine, the version and the motorhome body. We discuss the expected planning with you in advance. You bring the van in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

For larger jobs you can use a free loan bike, if one is available. We are happy to help you in English. Do you also drive a Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles or Opel with a 1.0 or 1.2 PureTech engine? Then see our separate page about the wet timing belt (in Dutch).

APK for your Ducato, Boxer or Jumper. Read more about the APK for your Fiat, Peugeot or Citroën. Or read more about the APK for a van up to 3,500 kg and for a motorhome. You can book the APK for a motorhome online. With a major service, the APK is free, except for Tesla and Polestar.

Frequently asked questions about the timing belt on the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

Does my Fiat Ducato have a timing belt or a timing chain?

That depends on the engine. The 2.3 JTD and 2.3 Multijet usually have a timing belt. Various older 2.5 and 2.8 diesel engines also have a belt.

The 3.0 Multijet usually has a timing chain. On the 2.2 Multijet 100 and other 2.2 engines it varies by engine family and version. The 2.2 Multijet from 2021 has a timing belt on certain versions. Give us your registration number and we look it up using the engine code and the manufacturer’s schedule.

Does the Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Jumper have a belt or a chain?

That depends on the engine and the version. The 3.0 HDi usually has a timing chain. On the older 2.2 HDi and other 2.2 engines from those years it varies.

The 2.0 BlueHDi has a timing belt. An interval of ten years or about 150,000 kilometres is often given for it. On the 2.2 BlueHDi and the latest versions we confirm the timing system using your engine code.

When does the timing belt on a motorhome need replacing?

On a motorhome, age often counts for more than mileage, because a motorhome stands still for long periods. For the widely used 2.3 Multijet, an age limit of five years is given for some versions. Other intervals can apply to older 2.3 JTD, 2.5 and 2.8 engines.

The manufacturer’s schedule is the starting point. Do you drive a lot in the mountains, drive fully loaded or does the motorhome often stand still for long periods? Then checking or replacing it sooner can be sensible. So a low mileage on its own is no reason to wait.

What happens if the timing belt breaks?

The engine stops. On certain engines the valves and pistons can then hit each other, which can cause serious engine damage to the valves, the pistons and the cylinder head, among other parts.

Do not start the engine again after that. Have the motorhome or van transported to us, so we can investigate the cause and the damage. You hear in advance whether a repair still makes sense, technically and financially.

How much does it cost to replace the timing belt on a Ducato, Boxer or Jumper?

That varies by engine and version. On certain 2.3 versions the timing belt also drives the water pump. Then we discuss in advance whether the water pump is replaced at the same time.

Call us on +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready. We look up the engine code and the manufacturer’s schedule. You hear in advance what the agreed work costs, including parts, labour and VAT. If we find something else during the work, we only carry it out once you agree.

Is this the same wet timing belt as on the PureTech engines?

No. Depending on the engine, the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper have a dry timing belt or a timing chain.

A wet timing belt runs in the engine oil. On certain 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines from Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles and Opel, that belt can wear early and shed particles into the oil. Do you drive one of these cars? Then read our page about the wet timing belt (in Dutch).

Will my motorhome fit on your lift?

Yes. Our lifts are suitable for vehicles up to 3,500 kg, so we can lift many motorhomes, campervans and vans.

Whether your motorhome fits also depends on its dimensions, wheelbase, ground clearance, lifting points and body. Is your motorhome heavier than 3,500 kg? Call us first with your registration number and you will hear straight away whether we can help.

What causes a rattling noise on a cold start?

On an engine with a timing chain, rattling right after starting can point to wear on the chain, the chain tensioner or the guides. The noise can also have another cause.

Have the noise checked soon. A chain that has jumped a tooth can upset the valve timing and cause serious engine damage on certain engines. We first investigate the cause and discuss the repair and the price with you in advance.

What motorhome owners say about us

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews.

“I came to this garage with my five-year-old motorhome to have the timing belt replaced as a precaution. I was helped very well and they took great care of my motorhome. Note! They only replace what is REALLY needed, and the agreed price is binding. In short, fellow motorhome owners, I can warmly recommend this garage.”
A motorhome owner on our reviews page (translated from Dutch).

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