Is there any mileage or time periods when these should be replaced ?

80000 miles or 4 years I believe. But I may be wrong. The service book should tell you

They were last replaced in November 2010 at 67,784 miles

The car has now done 126,990 miles

60,000 miles or 4 years. I'd get it done mate. Just recently done mine will a full gates kit, £100 off eBay.

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Not the £340 quote I got earlier

Now that one doesn't actually seem that bad lol. It's a time consuming job and expensive if not done properly.

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If your anywhere near Milton Keynes go to unit 18. I table 2 hours to go there but it's worth it.

60,000 miles or 4 years. I'd get it done mate. Just recently done mine will a full gates kit, £100 off eBay.

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How hard was it to do out of interest? I've read a few guides on here and it doesn't look too difficult, the only thing that worries me is how easy everything is to access?

 

I'm fairly competent working on cars, have changed most suspension components and carried out services in the past. For some reason the cam-belt scares me lol. Which on this engine it probably shouldn't seeing as it's 8 valve so it's about as simple as it gets!

How hard was it to do out of interest? I've read a few guides on here and it doesn't look too difficult, the only thing that worries me is how easy everything is to access?

I'm fairly competent working on cars, have changed most suspension components and carried out services in the past. For some reason the cam-belt scares me lol. Which on this engine it probably shouldn't seeing as it's 8 valve so it's about as simple as it gets!

It isn't overly difficult but it is very intrusive in terms of the parts that have to be removed to get access. You could also do with some locking tools etc.

I also replaced my camshaft and followers at the same time just through reading up on how to do it.

There are loads of videos online which I watched first as well as reading up a lot as you have said. Just alow yourself plenty of time so you don't have to rush.

You could also do with Vcds to check the torsion value after to ensure the timing doesn't need advancing or retarding slightly.

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Yeah I've seen a set of locking tools on e-bay for around £30 which isn't too bad. I've also read the guide here which is pretty decent, but yes there are quite a few things to remove before you can tackle it. 

 

I've got a laptop, interface cable and VCDS lite for checking the torsion value. So that's not a problem. 

 

Think I might book a week off work in January and tackle it or just bite the bullet and pay a garage to do it. But then there is the satisfaction of doing it yourself and knowing it's done right. 

It sounds like you are looking at the kit I bought off ebay which was around the same price.

And also sound like your well equipped to do it which is a good start.

There are some good videos on YouTube on cam belt changes for pd130 engines in general which give a good overview even though they aren't fabia specific.

I made the choice to have a go at mine purely based on the mileage I do with a view to keeping the car a good few years. You make a huge saving if you do two scheduled cam belt changes yourself!

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Yeah that's my reason for DIY servicing as much as I can. Don't plan on selling the car anytime soon so having a stamped service history isn't that important, plus when I do come to sell it it'll probably be 10-12+ year old so not worth much anyway lol.

 

Think I'll do a bit more research on the process, youtube is a good shout. Cheers. 

mattbvRS, on 25 Oct 2015 - 16:02, said:

 

Think I'll do a bit more research on the process, youtube is a good shout. Cheers. 

 The procedure on here is a good starting point, done both my 1.4 TDI's using this procedure although I didn't need to remove the wheel or liner as the 3 cylinder has loads of room on the cam side of the engine. Also, I used a hex key (think 6mm) instead of the tensioning tool as the tensioner in the kit I bought had a hex pocket. May be worth looking at GSF, CP4L or ECP for money off codes. GSF have a 35% off everything code of THD35 that ends tonight (25/10/15).

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/94593-fabia-vrs-timing-belt-change-diy/

 On mine, didn't need to remove heater plugs, and my crank pulley fasteners were torx bit headed.

Edited 25 October, 201510 yr by KeithCheetham

if any body wants it done cheap around the midlands area, i just had mine done by ME Automotive in staffs, he advertises on facebook, i used him on my fabia 1.9sdi, he's a MOBILE mechanic and came to do mine on sunday as i work all week like most people, inc parts and fitting it was £220, now i have several vw's and normally do them myself but the parts where about £150 from gsf so i thought for the extra 70 i wont bother getting my hands dirty etc.

as ive done them myself i know what to look for and he knows his stuff and i would happily use him again https://www.facebook.com/MeAutomotive-Staffs-1088784877803219/

ummm i may get him to do my clutch change on my passat pd engine, save me lying down in the rear entry lol

Edited 27 October, 201510 yr by karltheboy