Timing Belt Questions! (Any help gratefully appreciated)

[alessio92]

RE: 2002 Skoda Fabia Combi; 1.9SDI; 192600 miles

 

I've just realised that I have no idea when my timing belt (chain?) was changed on my car. Everything sounds/feels fine but obviously if anything goes wrong I could be screwed. My garage have quoted me a total of £519.74 including all parts and labour, but that's basically the value of the car anyway at this stage.

 

I've read somewhere that the timing belt is just not worth attempting unless you have the proper knowledge etc and I really don't.

Anyone have any ideas what I can do? I literally don't know whether it needs changing or not but I'm definitely not in a position to fork out £500 just in case.

 

Any thoughts, experience, suggestions etc would be really gratefully appreciated.

 

Cheers

[DanHarper]

You have a belt and it should be changed every 4/5 years/40k/50k depending on who and when you ask.

 

As it will exceed the value of the car I'd be tempted to just leave it and keep the cash in the bank for when it goes pop. Could go pop tomorrow, or in a few years time, you never know! When it pops sell your car to a scrap dealer and find another.

[KenONeill]

That's a steep price; I've just got a quote for £350 from a specialist who specifically said that their price included a new water pump and re-timing the injection (needs computer diagnostics) afterwards.

 

I'd reckon on changing it about every 60_000 miles or 5 years.

[Steamfan]

Hello Its a little way from you but you could always combine with a cinema or shopping trip to Centretainment / Murderhall and collect car afterwards.

 

 Adam charged me £200 all in last year for a waterpump and gates timing belt. 

 

 

 

  ALB Service Centre

https://plus.google.com/116779069043374543714/about?gl=uk&hl=en

 

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Platts Common Industrial Estate, Clayfield Road, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 9TL
01226 805747

[alessio92]

That's a steep price; I've just got a quote for £350 from a specialist who specifically said that their price included a new water pump and re-timing the injection (needs computer diagnostics) afterwards.

 

I'd reckon on changing it about every 60_000 miles or 5 years.

 

 

 

Hello Its a little way from you but you could always combine with a cinema or shopping trip to Centretainment / Murderhall and collect car afterwards.

 

 Adam charged me £200 all in last year for a waterpump and gates timing belt. 

 

 

 

  ALB Service Centre

https://plus.google.com/116779069043374543714/about?gl=uk&hl=en

 

1 Google review · Write a review

 

Platts Common Industrial Estate, Clayfield Road, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 9TL

01226 805747

 

 

Cheers for that Gents. May I ask if that included labour as well?

The garage I use is highly reputable and well regarded and as a rule they don't rip you off but I think labour's £49/hour or something, and if I can find a well-regarded establishment who can do it for less then I'm not against going elsewhere. I wouldn't object to going to Sheffield when I had the time.

Edited 24 April, 2015 by alessio92

[DGW]

I have been quoted £305 for a cambelt and water pump change for my 2007 Fabia vRS by an independent garage.

[Steamfan]

Cheers for that Gents. May I ask if that included labour as well?

The garage I use is highly reputable and well regarded and as a rule they don't rip you off but I think labour's £49/hour or something, and if I can find a well-regarded establishment who can do it for less then I'm not against going elsewhere. I wouldn't object to going to Sheffield when I had the time.

Yes it was parts and labour. Two young lads who know there stuff and have good reputation locally.

I recall it was an extra £35 for MOT plus they replaced a broken rear spring (MOT fail).  From memory total cost was £280 or £290 cannot be sure now... old age you know!  

Simplest thing is  to give them a ring for a quote and take it from there. 

[alessio92]

Cheers, I really appreciate all the help & advice.

[faradaycage]

 

Hello Its a little way from you but you could always combine with a cinema or shopping trip to Centretainment / Murderhall and collect car afterwards.

 

 Adam charged me £200 all in last year for a waterpump and gates timing belt. 

 

 

 

  ALB Service Centre

https://plus.google.com/116779069043374543714/about?gl=uk&hl=en

 

1 Google review · Write a review

 

Platts Common Industrial Estate, Clayfield Road, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 9TL

01226 805747

 

Now that is what you call a very good deal.Was your water pump the one with the plastic impellers or the metal ones though ?

[Steamfan]

Now that is what you call a very good deal.Was your water pump the one with the plastic impellers or the metal ones though ?

Sorry cannot recall now 

[faradaycage]

Sorry cannot recall now 

Actually,even if it was the plastic finned one,as long as they did the tensioners etc its still an incredibly good price.

[KenONeill]

Cheers for that Gents. May I ask if that included labour as well?

The garage I use is highly reputable and well regarded and as a rule they don't rip you off but I think labour's £49/hour or something, and if I can find a well-regarded establishment who can do it for less then I'm not against going elsewhere. I wouldn't object to going to Sheffield when I had the time.

That was full belt kit including tensioner, water pump, labour, and Clueless George's cut.