Just wondering if anyone has experience of Winchester Skoda? Purchased a 05 octavia 1 vrs back in Feb with 59k prior to collection requested the sensible thing of new belt and water pump. No problem on collection, "all done said the dealer" however I have since been back for small warranty repair and learnt that, no the pump was not replaced just the belt as apparently the pump was tip top!!:rotz:

My annoyance is that I have written to the dealer principal who informs me that replacement of the pump is not a requirement as far as Skoda are concered, and that as I have an extended warranty until 02/10 I would be no better off having it done! Unfortunately I obtained nothing in writing prior to collection so stuck on that route. Any ideas anyone? Also with now being faced with another three hour job to do pump can the same belt be placed back on?

I'd be ****ed... Has the Pump Gone???

I'd demand they did it as requested ... and i'd always just stick a new belt on... if its off fit new...

Mine had the cambelt done before I got it at a dealer. Was around 49K then. No mention of the water pump being changed in the bill. It seems the dealers do not change the pump, especially if their paying like they would for you!

I would be annoyed about this but unfortunately without anything in writing it would be difficult to get anywhere with them.

I guess there are lots of VAG 20VT cars out there with the original pump if they are serviced at a dealer. :eek:

Fortunately the pump is till fine and the car good. Like you say sure there are plenty of VAG 20VT around with original pump, guess for me the sensible thing would be to start saving and get the lot done prior to warranty expiring. One other thing would I be right in thinking that a dealer would replace with the plastic original item? therefore making the independent route with upgraded pump the favourable way to go? Cheers

It's not on the schedule, but it's your car and your money. If you specifically instruct them to carry out a job, then they should do it!

Dealer will replace with plastic as there is no OEM metal one, worth changing to metal from what I have heard from the specialist that I have been to. They say that its common for the spindle to spin on the plastic fins, rather than the fins breaking up.

Dealer will replace with plastic as there is no OEM metal one, worth changing to metal from what I have heard from the specialist that I have been to. They say that its common for the spindle to spin on the plastic fins, rather than the fins breaking up.

I know someone this happened to, on a TDi110. I amazed his mechanic by correctly diagnosing the fault as water pump failure from 600 miles away!

Cheers for your advise guy's much appreciated. Look,s like im going the independent route from now on, speaking of which anyone know a reputable independent in South Hampshire?

Ab Tech, Houndsdown Industrial Estate, Totton. I called for a quote for cam belt replacement on my VRS this week. They quoted £260 all in with the water pump.

They are a good VAG specialist and have a lot to live up to being next to the Westover Ferrari workshop!

My local Skoda dealer Westover's are cheepest for me cos they know i'm a copper.