Hi,

 

I'd be really grateful for some expert advice please. Our Yeti has about 60k miles on the clock and when it was last in at our local dealer they advised the drive belt needs changing as part of the service routine. I'm wondering if this really needs doing yet, or if there are other factors to consider (I'm a bit sceptical about the service routines in general)?

 

I'd like to avoid the engine dying, but it's a fair old expense right now, albeit not as expensive as a new car!

 

If it does need doing, any ideas how much I should expect to pay at a local dealer please?

 

Many thanks for your help.

 

With best wishes,

 

Cliff

What engine does your Yeti have?

Sorry, should have said. It's a 1.6 Diesel. (Greenline)

 

Thanks for your help

Car registered in 2014

Sorry, but you really need to change the belt, water pump etc. after 5 years.

Might be okay for a while but you are running on borrowed time because if it does break then you will need a new engine and no question of Skoda contribution. Question is - are you feeling lucky!

Many thanks Expatman. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I just couldn't get my head around how they can say it's X number of years rather than miles. I'd feel better if there was some kind of visual inspection involved. They also didn't mention the pump would need doing.

 

Any ideas on how much a local garage might/should charge instead of the dealership please? Another thread mentioned their dealership having a deal on doing the belt and pump at the same time, so I'll investigate that, but I need to do my due diligence as the amount the quoted for some other work was absurd.

False economy not  to replace the water pump at the same time. Most good independents should undercut main dealerships, but check genuine parts are used in case of later issues, which might involve 'goodwill' from Skoda UK. My 2p 👍

The reason for changing water pump, tensioners etc. at same time is that they are simple to change when doing the belt change, if you don’t change them then sods law will apply and the water pump will leak and need changing fairly soon after you’ve changed the belt - then it’s the same price to change the water pump as it was to change the original belt with the corresponding heartache and wallet pain! It’s just sensible to change it all at one go then you know you’re all set up for another 5 years.

Not sure what charge would be to change the belt etc. but I suggest you phone around dealers and local garages to get comparative prices - don’t forget to get them to include water pump and tensioners in quotes.

This is a very common task with all VAG diesels so most good garages will be familiar with the work required, dealers often offer good prices on this because they are so used to doing the complete job and you do have the advantage of knowing genuine Skoda spares will be used. Try negotiating with your dealer if you get a better price from an independent - let us know how you get on!

Is a drivebelt a cambelt or an auxiliary drive belt. As if the latter then that's easy to swap, takes 5 minutes ?

4 hours ago, aubrey said:

Is a drivebelt a cambelt or an auxiliary drive belt. As if the latter then that's easy to swap, takes 5 minutes ?

Come on! He’s talking about the main cam/drive belt which is scheduled for change at 5 years. 

As long as you're sure. If a garage said drive belt to me I wouldn't think of the cam belt immediately as I wouldn't expect a garage to call it anything else.

Thanks everyone. Having done my research as a total novice, and with your help, I would assume the cambelt too. The sales rep from the Skoda dealership mentioned 'drive belt' over the phone.

 

Really appreciate all your help. Thank you. Makes total sense. I'll let you know how I get on.

32 minutes ago, Cliffw said:

Thanks everyone. Having done my research as a total novice, and with your help, I would assume the cambelt too. The sales rep from the Skoda dealership mentioned 'drive belt' over the phone.

 

Really appreciate all your help. Thank you. Makes total sense. I'll let you know how I get on.

Drive belt / cam belt needs changing every 5 years and the local dealer would know that, that’s why they advised you to change the belt - whatever you call it!

Let us know how you get on.

Edited 4 August, 20205 yr by Expatman

I have just changed ours on the 1.9tdi, BSW Roomster, after 68,000 miles - 4 year's - 10 months.

Timing belt, water pump & tensioner were good. Idler had several thou' of movement & grease line's from seals (Failing).

Auxiliary belt was shot, cracked and small chunk missing. I always renew both at same time.

Did you change the water pump? After 5 years it could be problematic and you won't know until it leaks - or worst still the impeller siezes and throws off the belt, then all hell breaks out! Known problem - check Honest John's column 

I always change everything, belt, tensioner, idler, water pump and auxiliary belt.