timing belt

[Damo105]

Hi All,

I've got a 2008 Octavia RS TSI manual, with 92,000km. It's due for a 90k service, and I'm wondering if I should get the timing belt done. The handbook says 180k and the dealership quotes 105k, not sure which is right but I'm guessing the 105k. Anyway, as it's 8 years old should I be getting it done, as well as the water pump? Cheers for any opinions/advice.

It's been dealer serviced up until now, but I'm gonna switch to an independent from now on, so am happy to get any recommendations. And does anyone know the cost of an OEM timing belt kit, or should I source one ex UK or whatever?

[Alfa6]

Probally save yourself and would be easier to source via UK/Europe (Super Skoda)?

[Lucas_R]

105,000km is the normal recommended interval for the timing belt, and you should also replace the water pump while you are at it.

Places like ECS Tuning (based in USA) sell the timing belt kits with all the bits you need, but Euro Revolution in Sydney are a reseller for ECS so you can probably order everything you need from them. Euro Revolution - Euro Revolution

[Umai Naa!!]

105K or 7 years.

As per above, do the water pump and pulleys as well.

[woofy]

The water pump got included as part of that belt replacement a while back. The belt should have been done last year. Ours had done 60k but 7yrs came up in November.

[Damo105]

The water pump got included as part of that belt replacement a while back. The belt should have been done last year. Ours had done 60k but 7yrs came up in November.

It's a curious thing, because the dealership has done several services, including the 75k last December when the car was 7 years old. They mentioned nothing about the belt being due for replacement, and I actually asked them when it was due and they just said 105k with no mention of the 7 year timeframe. You'd think they would have mentioned it, because if the belt had failed I'd have had a good case to argue they were negligent.

[woofy]

Which dealer? It was originally even earlier, but I find some are hopeless with this sort of thing. I had always intended to get the waterpump done as well, but when they did it, it turned out it was included now. I knew it was due, so maybe unless you bring it up they don't keep an eye if its not up to 105kms.

[wfdTamar]

I did my TDI myself using a kit from the UK (maybe from eBay I think). Cost about $150 for the kit (didn't include water pump) and $50 for special tools. That was a couple of years ago. If you're a reasonable home mechanic and have a decent set of tools it should be able to be done over a weekend. Once you get the hang of it in a day (problem is you'd forget the process by the time it needs doing again).

I'm just doing one on a Camry now. I can't believe what mechanics charge for doing this it ain't that hard.

[code618]

8 yo car..
If it's a keeper, get the belt/pump done now
Purchase kit online (ECS or the like)
Find an independent specialist who is ok with fitting parts you supply

Some dealers don't tend to acknowledge non scheduled parts replacements that have proven to be required. Independent specialists tend to adapt based on what they see present to them over time and recommend accordingly...my experience anyway...

[woofy]

I did my TDI myself using a kit from the UK (maybe from eBay I think). Cost about $150 for the kit (didn't include water pump) and $50 for special tools. That was a couple of years ago. If you're a reasonable home mechanic and have a decent set of tools it should be able to be done over a weekend. Once you get the hang of it in a day (problem is you'd forget the process by the time it needs doing again).

I'm just doing one on a Camry now. I can't believe what mechanics charge for doing this it ain't that hard.

The Camry is notoriously easy, the local Toyota dealer have specials on it for under $200 all up from memory, it shows in the local paper all the time. Far cry from the $1k the Skoda dealers charge, but I think there is a bit more involved compared to a Camry.

[Umai Naa!!]

VW/Skoda allow 4-4.5hrs to do a timing belt.

Be thankful it's not a B5 V6 Passat

[Lams]

I did one in the original TT Quattro once, at the same time as a clutch, I was nearly in tears

[Umai Naa!!]

My condolences.

They're a cow of a thing to work on at the best of times.

[Damo105]

I've got a quote from a local independent mechanic who specialises in euro cars. He's been recommended. He's quoted $250 for a 90k service, and approx $880 to supply and fit timing belt, tensioners, water pump etc. He sources quality after market parts for the belt kit, but uses OEM dealer sourced water pump as he said in his experience all of the after market water pumps tend to leak after a year or two.

I'm not confident enough in my own ability to tackle the job myself.

[Umai Naa!!]

That's a keen price.