Hi folks

I was wondering whether anyone has changed their cambelt themself and took any photos of the steps or just what their experience was like or is planning to change?

There's a really good guide on here for servicing which i used to do my own but couldn't find a specific one for cambelt.

In two minds about getting a garage to do it. I'd really like to learn how it's done and would gain bit of confidence from other people's experience.

Thanks

The procedure can be downloaded from Erwin - pay for an hour's subscription and you can grab pretty much everything for your car.

I suppose I'll end up doing that but i think it's always more valuable when someone gives you their take on it.

I suppose I'll end up doing that but i think it's always more valuable when someone gives you their take on it.

True. I haven't done it but from a quick read through the procedure it looks like there are a few special tools needed. Since it's an engine designed by Germans, you'll almost certainly need those: the German attitude being "do everything exactly by the book".

Having done the timing belt on my old Passat a few times, having the correct tools for the job made it easier and resulted in the car running at its best.

At the moment here in Ireland Skoda will supply and fit a timing belt kit for 380 euro, its not worth considering doing it myself.

At the moment here in Ireland Skoda will supply and fit a timing belt kit for 380 euro, its not worth considering doing it myself.

Do not forget you may want to do the water pump at the same time.

Are you a mechanic by trade??

If not stay well clear special tools required (readily available and not dear)

But if it goes wrong the whole top end of the engine will be wrecked at a considerable cost  :$$$: 

Is it worth it    ?

 

Unless you're very confident /competent I'd leave well alone, a good garage will charge you 3 or 4 hours labour then you know you've got some come back and or guarantee if it blows up .

Do not forget you may want to do the water pump at the same time.

I believe its included.

Must replace the water pump at the same time. Murphy's Law says the pump will go just after you have changed the cambelt.

Over here in the UK we have fixed price cambelt changes, both with and without the water pump.

 

For models other than the Fabia the pricing is £359 without Water pump, and £459 with water pump change.

For the Fabia its £299 without and £399 with.

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/simply-fixed

I got mine done with water pump for £200.

I got mine done with water pump for £200.

Hey Philpix, that's a really good deal.  Where did you get that from?

its on my service plan

 

oil+filter 15,000 45,000 75,000

 

Oil and all filters 30,000, 60,000

 

cambelt (inc all pulleys/tensioners), oil and all filters 90,000

 

sound about right?