Timing Belt change - would you DIY?

[klawrence]

I have an 06 Octavia 2 Classic which has been a great little car for me - now up to 141k miles with no major hassle at all.

 

I usually do all my own regular servicing and have a VAG COM for any programming/diagnostics. I have used ERWIN in the past for access to workshop manuals etc.

 

From memory, the first timing belt change was done at about 60k miles by the main dealer, so is now well overdue a second one.

 

I would prefer to give this a go myself if possible. Do you think im nuts? Is it something a home mechanic can realistically do?

 

Should I just bite the bullet and trust it to the main dealer again?

[IngusSeflers]

Hi

First of all about what engine we talking about and how big is your 'toolbox'? Have you previous experience with Cambelts?

[klawrence]

Sorry, forgot the engine! - 1.9 PD TDI

 

I havent done any cambelt work before at all

 

I dont have any specialist cambelt tools but am willing to buy some if needed

Edited 17 February, 2015 by klawrence

[Phil-E]

It's not an overly complex job on the 1.9.

 

You will need the appropriate locking tools etc.

 

Make sure you use original skoda parts too.

 

Are you competent in working on cars generally?

 

Phil

[radders567]

I would definitely do mine myself, LOL. 

 

On a more positive note to the OP, if you have not done one before there are some good Youtube guides; however if you have never done one before I would get a professional to do it because if you get it wrong the engine is going to be damaged  .

 

I am assuming you are talking about the pd diesel engine.

 

Here is a link to it being completed on a VW passat with a very similar engine. 

 

[klawrence]

It's not an overly complex job on the 1.9.

 

You will need the appropriate locking tools etc.

 

Make sure you use original skoda parts too.

 

Are you competent in working on cars generally?

 

Phil

 

Hi Phil,

 

Id say im reasonably competent - I can figure out most things. I have done a variety of jobs to my car and the wifes including oil services, pads and discs, towbar fitting, cruise control and CCU upgrades, airbag wiring repair etc.

 

Have you done the timing belt change yourself? Any major gotchas?

[radders567]

Definitely buy the tools. If you're not willing to buy the tools then get it done by an independent garage.

[Phil-E]

Not done it myself but done a couple on other cars.

 

Good call on the youtube videos.

 

I watched one to help me do my DSG oil change.

 

Phil

[IngusSeflers]

Sorry, forgot the engine! - 1.9 PD TDI

 

I havent done any cambelt work before at all

 

I dont have any specialist cambelt tools but am willing to buy some if needed

Easy job, about 3hrs to complete

As Phil mentioned you need some locking tools (pins). 

About OEM parts I wouldn't bother, you can get same or even better quality parts from Continental or INA

Good luck!

[radders567]

Not done it myself but done a couple on other cars.

 

Good call on the youtube videos.

 

I watched one to help me do my DSG oil change.

 

Phil

Thanks for the bit of pipe, it was just the job when I did mine.

[klawrence]

Easy job, about 3hrs to complete

As Phil mentioned you need some locking tools (pins). 

About OEM parts I wouldn't bother, you can get same or even better quality parts from Continental or INA

Good luck!

 

Ingus - do you know of any good guides for the fitting process?

 

Is it something than can be done on a pair of small ramps in a garage/driveway?

[radders567]

Hi Phil,

 

Id say im reasonably competent - I can figure out most things. I have done a variety of jobs to my car and the wifes including oil services, pads and discs, towbar fitting, cruise control and CCU upgrades, airbag wiring repair etc.

 

Have you done the timing belt change yourself? Any major gotchas?

Just take your time and make sure to watch the video as you go along (ie on a laptop), this will stop you from making any silly mistakes.

[radders567]

Ingus - do you know of any good guides for the fitting process?

 

Is it something than can be done on a pair of small ramps in a garage/driveway?

Watch the video - its much better than any guide I have seen.

 

It can be completed with just a small jack and an axle stand.

[Phil-E]

Easy job, about 3hrs to complete

As Phil mentioned you need some locking tools (pins). 

About OEM parts I wouldn't bother, you can get same or even better quality parts from Continental or INA

Good luck!

 

Hmmm... I've seen a couple of cases on here where members have had their belt changed by an independent garage using the continental belt kit... snap!

[IngusSeflers]

Ingus - do you know of any good guides for the fitting process?

 

Is it something than can be done on a pair of small ramps in a garage/driveway?

Give me a few minutes... Will send you full instructions in PM

[radders567]

Hmmm... I've seen a couple of cases on here where members have had their belt changed by an independent garage using the continental belt kit... snap!

I know ECP and car parts4less do not sell continental belts anymore for the CR engine. For me I will be going genuine all the way when I do my belt and water pump. The difference in cost is not that significant when compared to a new engine.

[IngusSeflers]

Hmmm... I've seen a couple of cases on here where members have had their belt changed by an independent garage using the continental belt kit... snap!

Yes, you'r right..that depends of location on the map and place where you buying parts  :peek: 

[Phil-E]

Yes, you'r right..that depends of location on the map and place where you buying parts  :peek:

 

Yes you're probably right there! I think there was an old dodgy batch that were floating around.

 

Just noticed your location too. You're not too far away from where my other half's family live. Bielefeld. We go quite regularly to Germany.

 

Phil

[IngusSeflers]

Yes you're probably right there! I think there was an old dodgy batch that were floating around.

 

Just noticed your location too. You're not too far away from where my other half's family live. Bielefeld. We go quite regularly to Germany.

 

Phil

Yeah, about 2hrs Autobahn driving from me

Next time give me a shout when you are around

[klawrence]

Thanks everyone, thats been really helpful.

 

I think ill give it a go. There has to be a first time for everything!

 

Cheers!

[klawrence]

Another quick question - some of the guides ive seen refer to bracing the engine with a support bar and undoing the mount bolts and raising up the engine itself.

 

Other guides seem to miss this out altogether and look much simpler.

 

Is the bracing/undoing/hoisting thing necessary or can you just work away on the engine from the bay itself?

 

This guy seems to make it look very easy on a jetta (same engine i think) - 

[Guest]

Presumably the physical side of things isn't too taxing on a BKC engine but I've heard/read you need VCDS to set the torsion value once the new belt is installed?

[0wl]

The myturbodiesel website has a wealth of useful information on maintaining these engines written by an American mechanic, well worth the $10 (about £6.50) I think it is for the premium content which gives access to all the site content and includes a thorough how to on changing the timing belt on a BRM engine code 1.9 tdi which is basically the same as your engine.

The relevant guide starts here: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/2005-2006-brm-engine-timing-belt-replacement-vw-jetta-tdi-part-1/

It is in 3 parts and you'll need the subscription for the final part (part 3)

It is very important to use the correct locking tools, some people advocate the mark and pray method but you'll risk damaging your engine if you do and even if you don't damage your engine you'll be very lucky to get the torsion value near/ right without the tools and fuel economy may suffer - the locking tools aren't that expensive either.

[erindad]

The first video about the timing belt on the Passat is no good to you. The engine orientation is wrong, it makes it look easy with plenty of room for access  and it is for doing a Passat.

 

The second video is the one you need but there is a lot of things not shown . Getting into the belt before changing it is not for the faint hearted, you need to lift/support the engine. You have very little room to work with and the engine will need to go up and down a couple of times.  Once you have access to the crankshaft and got the pulley off you need a tool to set the crankshaft locked position.  The rest is just like any other engine apart from the restricted space, I was going to change my one on the drive with only a jack and the locking tool but decided to get a skoda dealer to do it . (approx.  £300.00) If you have  access to a lift it makes it a lot easier but if you have not had experience and wish to try then go for it, you'll know whether or not  to try another one again.

[klawrence]

Cheers guys. Signed up for the myturbodiesel site - looks very useful.

 

Will definitely be giving it a go - determined to try my hand at anything.