1.6 tdi update: timing belt every 5 years

[GeneralPurpose]

Isnt it pointless to say the interval is mandatory, when the warranty will have long expired and even consequential failure of such items would not be covered, and even if it failed in warranty, they would wriggle out with "fair wear and tear"

 

Conti engineered the cambelt drive for VAG, and have long claimed "lifetime", although what constitutes "lifetime" is unclear. If its easy, a regular inspection of the belt would be the way to go. Back in the days of the mk1 fabia, the service book recommended this approach in the printed schedule.

 

Having said all that, I believe the majority of cambelt failures have been due to tensioner failure or auxiliary failure e.g. seized water pumps driven off the belt, which I think they dont do any more.

 

Indeed, and don't forget the weeping water pump seal. The coolant rots and weakens the belt and it breaks. Doesn't take long to happen either.