My 2011 Fabia is due the timing belt replacement.  That's probably all I need to say really.  I think I've discovered that 5 years is the expected life and we're two years over that (but the car hasn't done much over 70k miles).  My questions are therefore:

- Is there any easy way to inspect the belt & see signs of wear (& similarly for the water pump)

- What are the consequences of this

a) starting to fail??

completely failing.

Sorry if this is all blindingly obvious..

 

thanks..

Signs of wear can be difficult but obvious wear could be fraying to its fibres, worn or missing teeth, stretching, etc. Basic age-related wear and tear. They are quite tough but live in a harsh environment. Water pump wear might be leaks or excessive movement of its central spline/pully, depending on the vehicle in question. Also, water pumps can squeal, as can worn or slipping belts. (Look on the inner side of the belts for shininess, as if slipping, it will start to kind of polish its self)! If you hear squealing, try adding a little water or something to the area to see if lubricating it prevents it for a few seconds. It will return but it might help you discover where the noise originates from.

 

It is considered best practice to replace the water pump along with the cam belt, as you will be doing most of the work anyway so the extra labour will not be much, mostly the parts price and there are often kits available, rather then just individual bits and bobs.

 

Starting to fail might mean overheating, if little or no water is circulated, potentially damaging the engine. Belt snapping is most likely to wreck the engine!

 

07710033627 is the number of a guy called Stephen Hill, who quoted me £295, using original parts, to do mine on a 09 Fabia. Cant be sure if he quotes the same for your model or will go quite as far as you but he might! (I think its usually M25).