1.4TSI ACT Timing belt replacement - Review

[Steviedakota]

My car is now 5 years old, and while it has low mileage it was time to get the belt done.

 

Unlike diesels they don't change the waterpump at the same time, as that resides on the other side of the engine, and is actually quite a complex and expensive unit so is only replaced if leaking.  The upside is that it is a bit cheaper than a diesel, €500 from Skoda.

 

The kits includes the belt and 2 pulleys and bolts, and was itemised as €300 on the bill. I asked for the used parts afterward and found that the belt looked like new, and both pulley bearings were butter smooth and play free.  I'd say there was a LOT more life in them, but I'm holding onto the car for a while so was happy to get it done for peace of mind.

 

The car also had an oil, pollen and air filter service, and they also removed the wishbone bushings and packed them with lithium grease to hopefully cure the dreaded suspension creak.  They seemed well up to speed on the creak and did not charge for this. Free wipers also under special offer, €200 for the above was very fair. 

 

Happy customer.

[kindalen]

What brand belt was used? I wonder how many hours the belt change books?

[Steviedakota]

4 hours ago, kindalen said:

What brand belt was used? I wonder how many hours the belt change books?

 Might have to root through the bin to find out!  It was down as 3 hours.

[kindalen]

Don't go to any trouble, just idle wondering. 

[Steviedakota]

Update:

The bushings packed with lithium grease worked (for now). Car suspension is wonderfully creak free, like a new car again.  Delighted with that.

[Northerndave]

Just popped onto search as to why Petrol engines on the Sjoda website do not mention the water pump and here's the answer, thanks for posting. Might direct RRG Bolton towards this site as their Service people thought the £500 covered a new water pump too on a 1.4 TSI ACT 

[Coolcat]

Hi I have a 2016 Octavia with the 1.4 engine and was also told about the water pump not needing to be changed so thanks for the info regarding its position. Its done 31,000 miles so I was considering leaving the belt change another year. Is this wise ?