I bought a 2005 vRS back in June and it had 38000 miles and FSH which showed that the cam belt had been changed in October 2009 when it had 18000 miles on it.  I know that Skoda recommends a change every 40,000 miles or every 4 years which means that according to them it is due for a change this month.  My car has now done 40,500 miles but do you really think its is necessary to change the cam belt again after its only done 21,500 miles on the current one?

 

Thanks.   

Belts deteriorate over time as well as use, its a big risk for the sake of a few hundred quid but your choice at the end of the day.

I've never seen a cambelt recommendation on a Fabia vRS for 40,000 miles.

I've never seen a cambelt recommendation on a Fabia vRS for 40,000 miles.

I've never seen Skoda UK give any definitive recommendations re cam belt change! Wasn't it every 60K/ 4 years or something like that?

I've never seen Skoda UK give any definitive recommendations re cam belt change! Wasn't it every 60K/ 4 years or something like that?

 

Yep, 60k/4yrs

Yep, 60k/4yrs

In which case I'd change it, as Matt says, belts do deteriorate over time due to oil or other fluids attacking the rubber.

 

Oh and @ the OP, get the water pump done at the same time as the cam belt will be off anyway

I thought it was 40k miles but yeh it's 60k but either way I guess it needs changing.  Unfortunately, it is going to have to wait a couple of months as I simply can't afford it based on the £449 quoted on the skoda website for cam belt and water pump change.  I will ring my local garage tomorrow for a quote but I'm guessing they won't be too much cheaper as I understand its a pretty big job...................I think its going to be a lean lean xmas in the brucey household this year!! 

...........at least I managed to save a few quid this weekend by (hopefully) sealing my leaky rear door using the info on this forum

try googling for 'independent VAG servicing' in your area, ring around and get a few quotes. Try TPS for parts and fluids (oil, coolant etc) When was the brakefluid change last done?

Iirc, SWMBO had a quote from Chesterfield VAG Specialist for just over £300 inc parts on her last vRS.

Certainly wouldn't pay the full price quoted by Skoda....

If it was me I'd wait until after Xmas, I'd be more worried going over milage than time. In fact I'd be tempted to pop the top cover off and see how the belt looks and guage when to change by that. Entirely upto you but I personally always go on miles rather than time

If it was me I'd wait until after Xmas, I'd be more worried going over milage than time. In fact I'd be tempted to pop the top cover off and see how the belt looks and guage when to change by that. Entirely upto you but I personally always go on miles rather than time

As above, BUT

a visual check is no indication of the integrity of the cambelt.

Also, what if the water pump impeller seizes, or the tensioner lets fly?

Neither of the above can be checked visually.

My preference would be to do it ASAP, £300-ish for cambelt, water pump and tensioner change Vs £££££'s if the belt snaps or the water pump seizes.... No brainier to me.

Agree but the chances of the water pump siezing after 21k are pretty slim. Entirely up to each person but I think I'd get some more miles out of it especially with it coming up to Xmas and if one was skint. Point being don't go without for the sake of changing it you'll have plenty of miles left in it

Thanks for the advice guys.  I have decided to go ahead with the change and have booked the car in for the start of next month at a local VAG specialist who quoted me £275 plus VAT for belt, pump and tensioners.  I was thinking of leaving it a while longer but there really wasn't ever going to be a good time to fork out this money and as I have no plans to sell the car I might as well just bite the bullet and get it done.  I don't want to be driving everywhere worrying about it especially as I have a 900 mile round trip to do over xmas.