My 2010 Fabia 1.6 TDI (105) is coming up for 47k miles. It's my first Skoda, so not sure what the interval is. Is it the same as other VAG diesel 4-cylinders and 5 years or 80,000 miles?

Hi Spartacus,

 

I have the same engine in my Fabia as you. My local Skoda garage has just phoned me to say that it needs replacing now. There is a 5 year 'life' for these belts regardless of miles. I was surprised by this and checked with my local friendly handyman garage who does my odds and ends of repairs and the annual MOT. He said that this is now the case for some cars so I have asked him to price up replacing the belt, tensioner and tensioning pulley.

 

I am waiting for his call now. He will be doing the MOT at the start of September and if I can afford it (!!) I will get this done at the same time. To do the work the garage has to remove the bolts from the end of the engine so it can be lifted above the edge of the engine bay. So it is not a cheap or easy job. Sorry if this is bad news but better to keep the engine in one piece rather than have a huge repair bill if the belt breaks or comes off. 

 

SlowBloke

May aswell get the water pump done too! It's about £40 for the part and not much extra labour!

5 years or 130k on the TDI engine - changed from 4 years or 130k.

 

Skoda charge £299 for this job which is competitive - any mechanic can quickly inspect the belt to see if it's worn.  I hadn't heard this was an engine out job - just an engine mount out job.  Not done it myself though.