Cambelt change at 4yrs/35k - too soon?

[pmoule]

My Leon Cupra 1.8T 04 plate is booked for 4 year service next week, the Seat service centre have also recommended the cambelt is chnaged after 4 years, which is expensive. Is this neccesary as the mileage is quite low and according to the service book it should only be chaked at 60k, I have searched these forums but cannot get a definiotive answer on when it should be chnaged, apparently Seat now recommend evy 4 years is this correct? I know it can be very expensive if the belt goes, but is it really a risk at this stage or can I save a few hundred £ not changing it yet?

The diagnostics light on the dashboard is now on all the time, this started a few days ago, what does this mean?

 

[bozwellox]

I'm in a similar situation, clocked up 25K and the car is about 4 and a half years old. The way I see it is although it is expensive, if it went I would be gutted and as I plan on keeping the car for quite a while I will have to do it eventually anyway. I've got mine booked in for the beginning of next month for the cam belt and water pump, got quoted £400 all in by APS in Brackley.

 

[oldman]

seems scarily similar to a thread that brought this subject up about 3wks a go.
i would say, have a search and see if that helps. The title was very similar to this.

link to similar subject:
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165373&highlight=cambelt

 

[JamesL]

hardly worth the risk, providing you can afford it. If not it'll have to wait, but if you can afford it you should do it.

 

[waynejacobs]

5yrs or 60,000miles

 

[Johnny Hotrod]

5yrs or 60,000miles

Where is this info from? i have a 2003 Leon Cupra & service book states check at 60k & replace at 120k miles

 

[lordgibbness]

Where is this info from? i have a 2003 Leon Cupra & service book states check at 60k & replace at 120k miles

Agreed - check every service from 60k onwards. Replace after 4yrs/120k, whichever is soonest.

 

[Jochen]

Hello,
I always advise cambelt checked at 60k and done at 80k max. also a good idea to change the water pump at the same time. VW/SEAT say 120k!!!! I have never heard of a time limit tho? and have worked for VW/AUDI & SEAT for a combined 18 years, so think dealer is trying to scare you into getting it done early?
Diesel cam belts should be checked every 20k, but they are under a bit more stress than petrol ones.
At the end of the day, its your car and your money.
I charge £250 all in, thats a belt kit and water pump, just as a guide.
as for the e.m.l light, could be a number of reasons, but would guess temp sender or coil pack or lambda problem. would need to read fault codes for accurate answer.
Best regards,
Jochen.

 

[lordgibbness]

SEAT told me they now recommend 4yrs and I wouldn't take the risk even though the risk probably isn't high. I can only imagine this change was made due to past failures.

Personally, I'd change at 4yrs and/or 60k rather than take the risk.

One question, however... I also intend on changing the water pump and tensioner at the same time as the cambelt. Would these be a once only change or should I be looking to get these done every 60k as well (if I still have the car at that time of course!) ?

 

[RikH]

i have the ECS kit which contains everything, will be getting done at next service (which car is happily counting down for me at 1700 now)
car is 50k/5years

 

[JamesL]

any links to the ECS kit/prices please Rik?

 

[RikH]

no direct links mate
there are at least two distributers of ECS stuff here in the UK
awesome gti is one, cant mind the other

 

[ChrisUK]

I always thought on any car it was 5 years or 60k miles - I'll be getting mine done at this interval !

 

[lordgibbness]

I always thought on any car it was 5 years or 60k miles - I'll be getting mine done at this interval !

It seems to depend on engine type. I think it would be best to check with SEAT UK, which I might as well do before my 4yr MoT.

 

[Leigh15]

I always thought on any car it was 5 years or 60k miles - I'll be getting mine done at this interval !

Not true - the interval on my current Fiesta is 10 years or 100,000 miles!!!

 

[JamesL]

Thanks Rik, I'll get in touch with Awesome

 

[lordgibbness]

One question, however... I also intend on changing the water pump and tensioner at the same time as the cambelt. Would these be a once only change or should I be looking to get these done every 60k as well (if I still have the car at that time of course!) ?

Anyone got any thoughts on whether regular changes to the water pump are requred too?

 

[Fl@pper]

Not true - the interval on my current Fiesta is 10 years or 100,000 miles!!!

Focus is same

my ABF has had 2 in less than 10k miles as i removed it to change a pulley

not worth risking it for what i pay for em

 

[GTste]

im on 51k and 5 years old, having mine done soon along with the waterpump.

 

[JamesL]

Anyone got any thoughts on whether regular changes to the water pump are requred too?

From what I gather, its barely a 10 minute job to swap the waterpump whilst you are doing the belt anyway, so whilst yes it is extra cash its worth it.

Swap the pump at the same intervals