Cherished Alfas on Purley's hills and the 2.2 JTS chain
Purley has plenty of cared-for, low-mileage cars, from the Webb Estate to the roads climbing out of the valley, and an Alfa Romeo Brera, Spider or 159 kept as a second or weekend car fits that pattern. Occasional use keeps mileage down but does not stop the 2.2 JTS petrol engine developing its best-known fault: timing chain stretch.
The 2.2 JTS uses a timing chain rather than a belt, and over time the chain can stretch. The first sign is often a rattle, particularly on a cold start, followed by camshaft timing fault codes and an engine light. Purley's hills add their own load, with steep, winding residential roads and the A23 Brighton Road towards Coulsdon, and the engine works harder on climbs. A stretched chain left too long can jump a tooth, which can cause serious engine damage. On a well-kept car with modest mileage, that would be a frustrating way to lose an engine.
We check for chain stretch using camshaft timing data and listen for the characteristic noise, rather than recommending a chain on age alone. If replacement is needed, we quote in writing for the full job. The 159 and Brera also have known front suspension wear in the wishbones and bushes, which shows as knocks and vague steering on bumpy roads, so we inspect those at the same time. For the brakes, which work hard coming back down into Purley, we use parts from suppliers such as Brembo, TRW or ATE.
From Purley Cross, head up Foxley Lane through Woodcote to the A237, then north through Wallington to Hackbridge, about 15 minutes. If you are near Purley War Memorial Hospital, Brighton Road leads back to Purley Cross to start the route. We can collect the car if you prefer. Every job is quoted in writing before we start, and repairs carry a 3-month workmanship warranty. For a car you have kept carefully for years, that clear paperwork also adds to its history.