1.6 Cambelt change intervals

RJ2DJ

Guest
I've noticed that the sticker in my Leon 1.6s says that the cambelt is not due for change until 02/11.

The car has done 77k and a has a full Seat service history. (I've owned the car for about 8 months)

With MOT and oil change due next month, my question is - what mileage would the cambelt normally be done at? I've had a quick search on the forum and the figure of 60k often seems to be bandied about. If that was the case, surely SEAT would have done it by now in one of the previous services?

Any help much appreciated.
 

Seat Adam

Dirty Densel Driver
Apparently, there is no manufacturer's recommended replacement interval. Although for the 1.6 AEH and AKL engines, it does say check the belt at first 60K miles, then check every 20K miles and replace as necessary. Previous use and service history of the vehicle must be taken into account.

At the end of the day it'll cost less to have the belt, tensioner and water pump changed than have the belt break/snap and do internal engine damage. In my opinion, I would get it done so that you know it is done and you have a positive record of it being done.
 
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RJ2DJ

Guest
Thanks mate - I guess when i take it in for service I can get them to check/do it - I didn't realise it was actually possible to check the belt (I'm a poor mechanic!)

I notice you live literally just down the road from me near Bracknell - have you got any experiences of the garages around here? I've just moved to the area and don't have any recommendations from anyone at all at the mo.
 

cyclops

Guest
hi. mine's a 1.6.
i found that when i asked around i was allways given a different recommended milage to get it done so to be safe got it all done including water pump and tensioners as a precaution at 50k. could save you a small fortune in the long run
got it done by pullman volkswagon. if i remember rightly it cost £195
get it done mate. be on the safe side

cheers

sean
 

Seat Adam

Dirty Densel Driver
I notice you live literally just down the road from me near Bracknell - have you got any experiences of the garages around here? I've just moved to the area and don't have any recommendations from anyone at all at the mo.

Don't take it to the Camberley Service centre, heard loads of bad stories about them and had a bit of fuss with them myself.
I recently have been taking my Leon to Wiltshire and Sons in Farnham. Not a bad bunch over there, quite friendly, helped me out with a problem with mine, decent prices too.
I have also taken my car to SMC in Datchet. They were a little bit more pricey but they really check over your car well. They found I have an A/C fan not working and blowing its fuse, quoted me the price as well, even though I didn't get it done.
The only other thing to do is have a search online for specialists, I know there is The Phirm in Hartley Whitney, or you start going as far away as AMD in Essex.
In my opinion though, try and stay away from francise groups like KwikFit or Nationwide Autocenters, they just rip you off. I should know, I used to work for one of them! [:@]
Hope this helps mate. Maybe see you driving around the area. Get some SCN stickers in the car and spread the word.
 

RJ2DJ

Guest
Cheers for the recommendations - I've asked Wiltshire and Sons for a quote. I was going to take to Camberley, so thanks for the heads up with the faff you have had with them.

I was desperately trying to avoid the nationwide firms! I've never had a good experience with any of them either..
 

RJ2DJ

Guest
For those that are interested (and yes, i know they are called stealers for a reason!)

Wiltshire and Sons quoted me:
Service: £245
Cambelt: £370

Ouch.. needless to say i'm looking into VAG specialists in the area instead now. My car is only worth 2k!
 

RJ2DJ

Guest
At the risk of appearing extremely stupid, I have a question!

I checked my service book and discovered that a "toothed belt" box has been ticked at the 50k mile service interval. I am assuming this is the cambelt?

Even if I have assumed right, it's probably worth me getting it done anyway - as I have no receipt for the work being carried out in any of the paperwork handed over to me with the car.
 

Seat Adam

Dirty Densel Driver
Yes the toothed belt is the cam belt.
I noticed that with my car, the previous owner had the cam belt changed along with tensioner but not the water pump. I only have 12000 miles to cover until my cam belt is due again, so will be looking at AMD Essex as they charge a better price, including metal impeller water pump and tensioner. Hopefully it will last till then, sods law that it won't.
Always get the water pump and tensioner done with the belt as if either fails, the belt has to come off anyway.
 
Feb 24, 2010
611
1
London
Hello everyone, i have got a seat leon 1.6 sx 2004, and from what i have researched it looks like i have to change the cambelt at 60k however i have already done 70k and still not sure wether its worth changin or not? as i feel that its better to leave the genuin factory part on then have it interfierd with! Please help Alex
 

Rokit

Guest
Hi Ive been told by Arnold Clark Edinburgh that the belt has to be changed at 4years or 60k. After checking handbook it says 60k check then every 20k but must be changed at120k. My local dealer Fife Seat say 4yrs to be safe and ALWAYS change pump & tension.
But at a price of £400 for the job Im gona check out other specialists in the area, as Ive just had a new throttle body & thrust senser replaced at a cost of £680.:wtf:

SEAT LEON 1.6sx late 2005
 
Feb 24, 2010
611
1
London
Hi Ive been told by Arnold Clark Edinburgh that the belt has to be changed at 4years or 60k. After checking handbook it says 60k check then every 20k but must be changed at120k. My local dealer Fife Seat say 4yrs to be safe and ALWAYS change pump & tension.
But at a price of £400 for the job Im gona check out other specialists in the area, as Ive just had a new throttle body & thrust senser replaced at a cost of £680.:wtf:

SEAT LEON 1.6sx late 2005

sorry to hear that! but thanks for the info, really helped me, will be booking it in somewhere soon !
 

D1SHABBA

Active Member
Mar 6, 2008
318
1
i have 1.6 and have had a cambelt changed only for £249 from stafford audi and very friendly staff. in regards to changing cambelt i have been told by sevral main dealers that seat recommend you change your cambelt every 4 years or 40k miles. have had mine done in 2008 and only got 19k miles on clock, best to be safe then sorry
 
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