smokeysmoo

My Superb 1.9 TDi is just over 4 years old, and has just 41k on the clock. However, after reading about potential problems with belts breaking early on the 1.9's, what advice would people give on changing it?
I would naturally err on the side of caution and get it done a little earlier than recommended anyway, but would anyone recommend getitng it done a.s.a.p?
Also, is it worthwhile getting the waterpump, and/or anything else replaced at the same time? (to save money/time in the longrun).
Thanks in advance.

Tom_vRS

NOW NOW NOW!!!

Lots of belts snap soon after their 4th birthday, honestly, get it done asap.

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fofos

Also the waterpump

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smokeysmoo

Cheers Tom. I'm not very happy at the moment TBH. I bought the car in July from a Skoda Main Dealer, (annonymous for the moment). The sales guys were repeatedly telling me how I would never look back once I got the car, (after several years of Peugeot ownership!). My argument is that the car was 4 years and 2 months old when I bought it, and I was never informed about the potential cambelt situation. I did a little bit of homework, and I thought I would have upto 12 months to get it sorted.
I am going to go back to the dealer tomorrow to ask them if the cambelt has been changed. If it hasn't been done, does anyone think I have an argument with the dealer under the sales of goods act or similar?

chris_1d

If I remember correctly, the cambelt should be changed every 4 years or 80k. If you bought the car after its 4th birthday, this should have been done. I'm sure trhis is the case, if not its 3 years /60k. This is always whichever comes first. So yours "Should" in theory have been done.

Bluefox

3yrs/60k, but it depends on the year of the Superb in question... I believe after 01/04 it changed to 4yrs/75k.

My 53-plate 1.9 TDi 130 is going in on Friday for belt/tensionser/pump (not at a Skoda dealer, I may add, but with Skoda parts). Currently on 59,400 odd.

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2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 10/09/08

smokeysmoo

My car was first registered 17/05/2003, so from what you tell me it's 3yrs/60k! Yikes!

chris_1d

Mine was first registered around the same time as yours and I was told 4 years/80k. I bought mine in July with 79,800 on it. I made sure it was done and part of the deal was that it was

Bluefox

According to the copy of Autodata we have at work, yes. Not checked with a dealer, but tbh I think 60k is too much on a belt anyway, let alone 75k...

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2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 10/09/08

Tom_vRS

I think age is more of an issue than mileage with the belt, although the miles on the tensioner is a concern also.

If the car was sold with full service history, then you may have a case. Maybe the dealer will help out with the cost as a goodwill gesture.

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smokeysmoo

Cheers Tom. I went in too see them today. The belt has not been changed for definate. They tried to tell me it was 80K, until I showed them a message of here stating that VAG head office had issued a statement saying it should be done at 4 years regardless of mileage. They said they will look into it, speak to Skoda and get back too me. That was 11 o'clock this morning, and guess what? So far no call back.....grrrrr!

In the meantime I am now in limbo and feel that I shouldn't drive it. (no choice though, know what I mean?).

At the end of the day, the same dealer has supplied the car from new, carried out all servicing and then taken it back in trade in against another new car. I've then bought the car with FSH and here we are.

I'll obviously have to wait for them calling me, and keep my fingers crossed that the belt doesn't decide to give up the ghost just yet!

rotodiesel

Don't waste your time with the dealer. He's got your money and he doesn't give a toss (this is VAG, remember). My Superb was sold to me having just had its first dealer service with 2mm of friction material on the rear pads and a blocked air filter which was scheduled to have been changed.

I fixed these problems myself and the car is fine. The problem for the stupid cretins at VAG is that I won't forget this. Next time, I'll vote with my cheque book. The VAG idiots have destroyed a good working relationship and the chance of repeat business for £20 worth of parts.

In your case, just swallow your pride, go to a good independent VW specialist and have the belt, tensioner, idler and water pump replaced (fit a water pump with a metal impellor). Then enjoy your Superb.

At the end of it all, remember how you were treated at the outset before buying its replacement.

rotodiesel.

shredder

Hi all,

I'm getting my cambelt changed next week by an independant garage, my car is an 04 plate with 61k on the clock. We trust the garage and they have served us well for a long time now, they would not change it if it didn't need doing.

I'm with rotodiesel, the garage wont give a monkey now you have the car, I know this from experience from previously an audi garage and currently our local skoda dealer. Try and find an independant garage.

Carolyn

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Carolyn - 2004 Superb 1.9tdi Comfort (130 BHP). Smoked side indicators, LCR front splitter.