Hi

Just purchased panda 2007 1.1 active 55k on clock and am after servicing my self and really after some advice please (last done 43k 8 months ago):

- When should i change the cambelt? I believe its non intrusive
- Any tips for air filter / oil change / sparkplugs change
- Am considering bleeding brakes
- Fuel filter??

Been awhile since i serviced a car so after lessons learnt etc..

thanks everyone

glammr said:

- When should i change the cambelt? I believe its non intrusive

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Technically now if it's never been done. It's a non-interference engine, so basically all that will happen if it does break is you'll be left stranded at the side of the road, so your choice really.

glammr said:

- Any tips for air filter / oil change / sparkplugs change

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Do all of these now. All are easy and straightforward jobs. Consider fitting iridium plugs (less than £30); they'll then be good for another 50k miles. OEM plugs are rubbish.

glammr said:

- Am considering bleeding brakes

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Do it, and do the clutch while you're at it, it'll likely be in worse condition and clutch hydraulic failures are common. 1l of whatever DOT4 fluid is cheapest at the factors; about £6-£7.

I'd also change the coolant now, and check it regularly; also change the water pump if /when you do the cambelt. The engine is basically reliable but prone to HG failure if ever run low on coolant; leaks are quite common.

Wow thanks for the reply

Not going to attempt cam belt. How much should i be quoted please?

Also i have ordered the plugs mentioned in the manual

I have never done clutch fluid before? is it easy and how please?

and fuel filter

Before buying, check which oil filter is fitted.
They used two, a short fat one and a longer thinner one.

The oil filter can be a bit fiddly to grip, I find that a filter strap type tool makes the job easier.

There's no need to fit cheap pattern filters, proper Fiat ones are cheap enough from Ebay or Shop4parts.

Shop4Parts is a great Fiat spares website, if you donate to the forum (even a small amount) you'll get a 10% off all orders code. This could help if you're buying bulk / a lot of service items. They only stock OEM or good aftermarket parts - no crap.

Also, feel free to keep updated with the Panda section of this forum, some great reassuring advice and knowledge.

Me, a 20 year old with no previous experience was able to fit the timing belt and water pump (with help of a relative with a garage and tools) mostly due to the fact I asked about a million questions here before being confident enough to do it :slayer:

thanks. have bought 501660067 Bosch Oil Filter

is clutch fluid easy to do?

also is cam belt easy ? u need special tools?

and fuel filter ?

glammr said:

thanks. have bought 501660067 Bosch Oil Filter



is clutch fluid easy to do?



also is cam belt easy ? u need special tools?



and fuel filter ?

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There's a video on YouTube of a guy doing a 1.2 Ford Ka, we used this whilst doing the job. Was almost identical.

We used a few different sized sockets and wrenches really. Screwdriver. Jack to jack the car up. Watch that video and you'll soon see the tools he uses and check out some threads I started about the timing belt over the past month. They're packed with good questions and answers.

Fuel filter I believe for the petrol is inside a single unit fuel pump - which is in the fuel tank itself. Replaced this in 20 minutes - mine died on the road. Got a good Bosch pump for around £140, hope to see it last the life of the car.

Not sure about the clutch btw, someone on here will be and will post about it soon I hope.

glammr said:

I have never done clutch fluid before? is it easy and how please?

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Do it exactly the same way you would do brake fluid.

The bleed nipple is on the slave cylinder, located on top of the bellhousing under the battery.

Battery removal makes it easier the first time, but it's possible with the battery in-situ if you don't mind working blind.