Timing Belt change - would you DIY?

[Phil-E]

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?

 

Yes ideally you want to be checking the timing and torsion value with VCDS to make sure they are within spec.

 

Phil

[Rustynuts]

With a bit of bartering I get my cambelt and water pump done at VW for £250. Given that the parts alone are about £160, I see no need to bust a gut on the drive with a jack and tools, shaving skin off knuckles etc. when I can pay the dealers £90 and have a full 2 year warranty on the job. The money it costs to have them do the job is easily earned by me doing my own job for a day.

[Phil-E]

That's a bloody good price for a main dealer Rustynuts!

 

If I could get it done for that it would be a no brainer and wouldn't bother with DIY.

 

Phil

[Rustynuts]

Leeds VW, although I used to use Knaresborough til last year. I do have a mate who works there mind you and that helps with the bartering a little.

[nickguzzi]

I have not done a Skoda, but I have done quite a few other transverse cars.  Some are relatively easy, others a real pain.  You can't see anything without major dismantling.  Some, you even have difficulty getting the belt onto the pulley because irremovable things are in the way.

 

I'm not going to be doing mine, I can get a price similar to Rustynuts, using genuine parts. 

Unless you have a reasonable level of skills, experience and tools, and no physical fitness issues because you are bent over double for a long time (my problem), I would think very carefully before taking what is a potentially expensive step.