I'm in the unfortunate position of having shredded the belt for the rear cam on my July 2001 Fabia 1.4 16V (Eng code AUB) Elegance Estate. The car has only 38,000 on the clock and has a full Skoda Dealer service history. Having searched the forums it appears the VAG have a problem with the cam belt tensioner seizing but have only recalled the VW cars affected, Skoda and SEAT have been ignored. So, I have a few questions which hopefully some of you can answer.....

1) Has anyone got Skoda UK to pay for any work outside of warranty period, especially in relation to cam belt failure ?

2) As the belt hasn't actually snapped is there a possibilty that there won't be any / as much valve damage ? (I think I already know the answer to this !)

3) Are the cylinder heads from the different VAG group models interchangeable if the engine code is different ? e.g If I got a good 16V head from a Polo, code BBY, would this fit my Fabia code AUB engine ?

4) If this has happened to you what was the final cost from the dealer ?

5) Can anyone recommend a good independant VAG specialist in the North East ?

Sorry there's lots of questions, Thanks in advance!

answers to the best of my knowledge

1. You'll be lucky but its allways worth a call to customer services.

2. Hmm you would be extremely lucky to get away with that. Try putting a belt on it, what you got to loose.

3. Might do, but I would hve thought there are more AUB engines about as thats the ealier engine anyhow.

4. Depends on whats needed, looking

its worth a try its low mileage with fssh then youve done all you could you might get a half and half deal my dad got that with his audi that snapped a month old belt

i woudnt hold breath tho

i agree with luminox slap a new belt on. and pray

Just thought I'd update on progress with this - I got in touch with Skoda UK and they have reluctantly offered 35% of the parts only or approx 1/7th of the total cost.

I know an independent VW guy who has offered to do it for

One thing is for sure I won't be recommending Fabias to anyone.

Aww come on, it's a faulty VW part! you shouldn't recommend all VAG cars on that logic! I love my furby (even if the PAS pump went as 59k)

Not having a go, just defending my lil motor!