Not really the ideal place to ask the question but IIRC about £300 + service indy and £450 inc service main dealer.

HTH

The gti-6's are murder, dont you have to do them like every 30k

LOL

French shiiite

As we're on the subject of cambelts, don't forget your waterpump. I recently had a lucky escape! my oct vrs had done 50k and a cambelt was due because of the age of the car, I had the plastic impeller pump changed for a metal one as a precautionary measure!

I had heard of failures as early as 17k!!!!

As you can see I was rather lucky not only was the pump still functioning properly but the technician successfully retrieved the debris.

Genuine cambelt kit - £79

Water pump (QH) - £30

Labour (independant garage) - £160

The gti-6's are murder, dont you have to do them like every 30k

LOL

French shiiite

Nope... Just inspect them and actually bother maintaining them. Problem is most of them never got the belts done by the original owner.

The garage I got mine from pointed that out to me and changed it as well before I picked it up. I have an 04 VRS which had when I collected it just under 31k on the clock.

They made it clear to me that it's 4 years or 40,000 miles now not 60k.

With the milage I do it will be the 4 year thing again for my next change

A question - I just bought a 2001 Fabia estate 1.4 8v. I am told that this has a chain rather than cambelt - one of the few/only engines in the fabia range with this. Can anyone verify this? much appreciated if you could. Does this mean it never needs replacing?

How much can I expect to pay to have my cambelt replaced on my 2001 Fabia which has 24000 miles on the clock?

I just phoned my local dealer and they quoted me a special offer of 200pounds all in and and extra 40pounds (I can't get the pounds symbol to work) to replace the water pump if done at the same time. Is that a good deal, excuse my slowness of brain, but, it's been a long day at work.

That doesn't sound too bad but I would be prepaired to haggle.

Ask them to do the whole shebang for £200. (The timing belt kit from GSF is approx £80ish and the water pump is approx £20, so The labour seems a bit on the high side!?!

I just got the major service (40,000 mile) timing belt, all tensioners & water pump done at the main dealers on my Fabia VRS.

They started off wanting over £400, plus an extra £35 for the water pump. After plenty of haggling, I managed to get them down to a reasonable £295 all in. Be prepaired to haggle.....

A little bit of cheek goes a long way:P

Just had the timing belt/water pump done on m y 2003 vrs with 53k on the clock. Just to add to the warning, I thought I will be ok and sort of put it off, did not take notice of the knowledge on this site!

Long story short, the mechanic saved the belt and water pump for me to look at, two of the impellors were missing off the water pump!:eek: he had managed to recover the bits, but the biggest shock was the belt, it was thread bear on the outside!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

He said that one of the tensioners was almost seized solid and it was only a matter of days/ weeks before a complete failure!!!!!

Ironically, he had an A3 1.8T in that he was fitting a new engine to due to a timing belt failure, god it had made a serious mess, valves enbedded in pistons and the works!!!!!!

Ps. he charged £100 labour for doing the belt and water pump, which I think is not to bad.

hi i have a 1.9 tdi octavia its cam belt was first changed at 79999mils as was recomended to me from reading this post should it have been done earlyer and when would you recomend having the next change also sholud i have the water pump done at the same time? as the skoda garage that did the work didnt mention any thing about it. alost as i have no history with the car i dont know what has been done in the past ive owned the car for 2 years since 76500mils

thanks Michael

Water pump change is an optional one for 1.9 TDI. But RS model, it is a MUST.

I have a Superb 2.5 TDI and it's out of warranty in November this year. I am thinking of extending warranty for another year and the car has done 26,000 mils. I would expect to change the Belt and water Pump at the four yrs old stage with around 36,000 miles approx. If a problem occured would this not be covered under the extended warranty as the car is not 4 yrs old and completed 60,000 miles?

Regards

John

Wish I had known about this forum earlier. Had no idea that I would be looking at cambelt change after only 34000 mls (4 years). Brought up to speed by my Skoda specialist yesterday after 4 year service. Service book shows 100k change, but letter he had from Skoda suggested 4 years regardless of mileage. The problem as they put it seems to be not with the belt initialy, but with the tensioner, which is plastic, and can become brittle with age and disintegrate causing damage to the belt with the serious consequences mentioned above. I feel somewhat cheated by Skoda (apparently a problem throughout the VW/Audi Group) in that on my mileage I would have to pay for this job three times in the period when I would have expected once. Service centre said that many manufacturers were considering returning to the longer lasting timing chains. Seems they all followed the Japanese into cambelts as they reduced engine noise, but as we have seen, there are drawbacks.

I have a 1.9TDI Octavia, and I have to say that it has been the best car I have owned in terms of comfort and reliability. Pity about this latest news.

Hi all,

I've got a skoda octavia who's approaching the critical 60K miles and and so I started shopping around for replacing the cambelt. In one garage they told me that together with the cambelt, sometimes some of the "little weels" (sorry for the very non-technical term but have no clue as to what their actual name is) on which the belt moves go as well ... Is that true or does he simply one to rip more money out of me? Anyone able to advice?

Many thanks in advance,

Alin

Hi Guy's,just thought I would bring the importance of cambelt replacement's to everyone's attention.

I am talking in particular to al 1.8T,4x4 & vRS owners,although it's just as important on other models too.

As some will know I work at an Audi Centre,and we are seeing more & more premature cambelt failures-some due to neglect and others seamingly without explanation.....

Please PLEASE make sure you know when your cambelt change is due - and even think about early change especialy those who've had "Performance Enhancing" done.

The interval varies between model,but I would strongly recomend anyone to change belt's at 60,000 miles - not the 80,000 or 120,000 that some models go to -- the cost invovled when they go is huge - you're looking at £1,000 plus for a head - and they do reck heads when they go.

I know that this thread should strictly be in My Maintenance but I thought it important enough to leave in general - I'm sure our moderators will judge accordingly.

1 last point -- change intervals are sometimes quoted in KM's -- be aware - 120,000 KM's = 74,000 Miles NOT 80,000 miles,likewise 180,000 KM's = 111,000 Miles.

You HAVE been warned.....

:soapbox:

By that, the garage probably means the pulley and tensioner - they're part of the replacement cambelt kit and should definitely be done, along with the waterpump. Here's what they look like.

I pulled this off Audizine US below, how factual it is I am not sure, perhaps someone will check it out.

IMPORANT READ! Timing belt inspection/extension - The Audizine Forums

08-03-2008 IMPORTANT READ! Timing belt inspection/extension

Just in case some of you haven`t gotten notice: (short version) Any questions, let me know! Thanks~ Kim

Subject: Warranty Extension for 2000 - 2003 Model Year Audi A4 or Audi TT

Equipped with 1.8L Turbo Engine

We are writing to inform you that Audi is providing revised maintenance instructions and a warranty extension covering certain timing belt tensioner system related repairs on 2000 – 2003 model year Audi A4 and Audi TT

vehicles equipped with 1.8L Turbo engines.

What is the Issue?

Some Audi owners and lessees have reported internal engine damage resulting from a broken timing belt. If the

timing belt of your vehicle were to break, the engine will not run and may sustain serious internal damage.

What Will Audi Do?

Audi is implementing an extended warranty for timing belt related engine damage for 2000 – 2003 model year Audi A4 and Audi TT vehicles equipped with the 1.8L Turbo engines to 105,000 miles, regardless of time in

service. This extended warranty is fully transferable to any subsequent owner. This extended warranty does not affect - and is in addition to - any other applicable warranty covering your vehicle. This extended warranty does not cover replacement or repair of the timing belt system as part of scheduled maintenance or as indicated by

inspection of the system.

In addition to the extended warranty, Audi is providing an inspection of your vehicle’s timing belt and tensioner system, free of charge during your next scheduled maintenance at a mileage of up to 105,000 The extended

warranty will be voided if this inspection is not completed at an authorized Audi dealer within 1,500 miles of the

next scheduled maintenance as required in the owner’s manual or maintenance guide that was provided with your

vehicle. This inspection and other inspections required in the revised maintenance instructions included

with this letter must be performed in order to qualify for the extended warranty. Be sure to retain proof of

these inspections.

If your vehicle has more than 105,000 miles, and the originally installed timing belt has previously been replaced,

you may obtain a free inspection on or before September 30, 2008 at any authorized Audi dealer.

Audi will cover necessary engine repairs if a broken timing belt causes a malfunction in your engine at or before

105,000 miles and you have had the timing belt and tensioner system inspection completed within 1,500 miles of

the next scheduled maintenance.

This warranty extension does not cover normal wear and tear or engine damage due to improper maintenance or

timing belt or tensioner system repair or replacement which occurs as a result of recommended inspections.

What We Would Like You To Do

Please contact your authorized Audi dealer and arrange for an appointment so that the timing belt system

inspection can be performed within the time requirements as described in this letter. This inspection will typically

add approximately one half hour to the time required for your next scheduled maintenance. However, your dealer

may need additional time for the preparation of the inspection as well as to accommodate the daily workshop

schedule.

Reimbursement of Your Prior Out of Pocket Expenses

If you have previously paid for a repair as a result in a timing belt failure, regardless of mileage, Audi will reimburse

you for the cost of repairs made to your vehicle, if you provide the requisite proof of repair, described in the Notice,

upon making a timely claim no later than September 30, 2008. Additionally, Audi will reimburse your out-of-pocket

expenses relating to the timing belt failure, such as towing, alternative transportation, etc.

Even though this is in the US the fact still stands that if Audi have a problem with these engines in the US they have the same problem here in the UK and rest of world and the same settlement should apply. What Audi appear to say is that the belts and tensioners are capable of doing 105,000 miles in the US and if they break they will pay. They do not put a limit on the year, age. Any thoughts.

Olson v. Volkswagen of America, Inc.

I bought a 2002 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI about 6 months back when the car had done 55000 miles and at that time, I was told that the Cambelt needs to be changed at 80000 miles with no limit on time - that was good for me. But I can now see that Skoda has changed its intructions and put the time factor of 4 years.

Went to one of the authorized service centres in Reading (in Berkshire) and was quoted almost 450£ for Cambelt change :eek:

After reading the posts on this forum, I have seen some members getting it done at a lower price from Independent service centres. Are there any problems in that option? I mean is the work so complex that it is best done by authorized personnel?

Also any recommendation of an Independent service centre anywhere around Berkshire that can do a good job for less ££.

Thanks/

Rushi

After reading the posts on this forum, I have seen some members getting it done at a lower price from Independent service centres. Are there any problems in that option? I mean is the work so complex that it is best done by authorized personnel?

Any half-decent garage will have something like Autodata, which gives detailed service instructions for every imaginable car, as well as the latest recommended check / replace intervals and procedures. The parts are nothing compared to the labour (around 3hrs 20mins), so using a reputable independent garage has the potential to save you a packet since the labour costs will be lower due to the workshop not having to subsidise the blingy showroom bits...

Bought a 105K Fabia Tdi - assumed the cambelt had been done since services had been stamped, but not the belt. Checked the belt at the weekend and cracked to bugger! Didn'y move an inch until on way to dealer for cambelt, v-belt adn waterpump...quoted £300 but charged £370 ihe end (having had to make second trip because they forgot to fit V-belt the first time - fell out with them also becasue they broke my key fob I was having programmed - stay away from delmore in Inverness).

I usually do DIY services, but woithout locking tools cambelt canbe a pain...however I would maybe sugest a good local garage over a dealer (unless you have a track record from the dealer !)

Hi Guy's,just thought I would bring the importance of cambelt replacement's to everyone's attention.

I am talking in particular to al 1.8T,4x4 & vRS owners,although it's just as important on other models too.

As some will know I work at an Audi Centre,and we are seeing more & more premature cambelt failures-some due to neglect and others seamingly without explanation.....

Please PLEASE make sure you know when your cambelt change is due - and even think about early change especialy those who've had "Performance Enhancing" done.

The interval varies between model,but I would strongly recomend anyone to change belt's at 60,000 miles - not the 80,000 or 120,000 that some models go to -- the cost invovled when they go is huge - you're looking at �1,000 plus for a head - and they do reck heads when they go.

just brought vrs octaiva how is easy is it to do the timing belt?

I know that this thread should strictly be in My Maintenance but I thought it important enough to leave in general - I'm sure our moderators will judge accordingly.

1 last point -- change intervals are sometimes quoted in KM's -- be aware - 120,000 KM's = 74,000 Miles NOT 80,000 miles,likewise 180,000 KM's = 111,000 Miles.

You HAVE been warned.....

:soapbox:

Very interesting thread but does anyone actually know what a dealer will charge for the cambelt change ?

Or did I miss that bit ?

Just had my cam belt changed by Skoda dealership cost £399

Edited 30 October, 201015 yr by aden

It's definately worth doing and really isn't worth the risk. I had a Polo which I came very close to losing the engine. The belt was nowhere near the 60,000 miles but the tensioners had shattered. How I got away with it I'll never know.

The whole kit including the water pump and the rest of the service kit for my vRS came to less than £200 from the dealer.

My fabia 1.4tdi 70bhp with 47k on the clock 2008 now should I change the cam belt?

As for the warranty question - it's a grey area,if it's under warranty-Audi(I can only speak on them) will usually pay by one means or another(factory warrantyplus uk top up) - but if the car is over 3 years old ie out of warranty - then it's purely goodwill only....case in point- car recovered to us today S3 3yrs old last march - 46,000 miles -- Audi will give 70% parts discount - no labour contribution,even though belt is not supposed to be changed untill 111,000 miles !!

As for why so much damage is done when cambelt fails - cambelt's main role is to keep the top end)ie camshaft) and bottom end(ie pistons) turning in time with each other-as pistons go down,so do valves and vice-versa(hence often called timing belt)this allows for much closer tolerance,for less space and more efficient combustion and increase power - if the belt breaks or strips then this allows pistons to rise whilst valves stay open,and in the case of 1.8T engines - go BANG.

A lot of makers swapped to belts due to chains being noisey,however there is a move back toward chain drive -- all "NEW" engines from Audi are apparently going to be Chain-case in point new S4 - although they are doing it to save space(approx45mm) rather than added reliability(apparently)

Ford have been fitting chains in Mondeo engines at least, and for well over 12 months. Logical to assume other Ford engines will also have reverted to chains, a much safer method, I M O.

Apart from when the chain stretches and it's an engine out job to change it.

A-la my old SR20VE.

According to my manual i'm supposed to change mine at 180,000km (112,000 miles). I'm at 100,000 miles on original belt. Going to change it this week though.