Cam Belt Time - NEW PROBLEM - NEED ADVICE

[kev85]

Advice for a complete novice please

Hi,

im new to the forum and have just recently got my seat leon 1.9 TDI SE 110. I really like and its a real step up from every other car Ive ever owned (two different MK3 VW Golfs ).

Anyway, the car is a 2004 53, and done 52K miles. I didnt realise the cam belt needs changing by 4 years? would I definately need it changing?

I got a little worried as I started getting a slight screech sound in 2nd gear (gradually fades away) when going slow on humps and then noticed another low level sound near the fan belt area (actually its called the Aux belt isnt it?) when started a cold engine, this fades away after 5- 10 mins.

I spoke to a VW/Skoda/Seat specialst garage (in Nottingham) over the phone (as been busy at work) whom said it could be a number of things including the aux belt, tensioners or cam belt... he said he could change the cam, aux, waterpump, tensioner (by the way all this is limited understanding to me) for around £450.

I was thinking of getting a quote or having it checked by an independent....

any suggestions what I should do? Is it definately required to get the cam belt done within 4 years?

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

kev

 

[kriso]

Hi, you might get more info in the Leon forum. But on all VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda cars, they now recommend getting the cam belt done every 4 years or 60k miles. As yours is a 53 I would def recommened getting it done as soon as possible as it will cause big problems if it fails

The aux belt and tensioner can make some squeeky/rattly noises sometimes. £150 is about the right price to get the aux belt and tensioner replaced and £300 for the cam belt/water pump etc. so £450 sounds about right. Probably worth getting some other quotes too.

 

[kev85]

thanks mate appreciate that, ill post in the leon forum too

 

[beezanick]

Hi,

As said above it is better to get the timing (cam) bet changed due to the consequences if it breaks. You should be able to get that work done for less than £400 if you phone around (the aux belt has to come off to get at the timing belt). Just make sure your happy with the garage you take it to, as if it is fitted incorrectley it will do the same damage as it breaking.

 

[Thurman]

As above. I had mine replaced including aux drive belt and water pump £270 all in My boost pipe has subsequently been fudged, either due to wear and tear or the spanner monkeys at the garage wrenching it off you decide!

 

[beezanick]

My boost pipe has subsequently been fudged, either due to wear and tear or the spanner monkeys at the garage wrenching it off you decide!

Have you got that fixed yet mate?

 

[Thurman]

Have you got that fixed yet mate?

Nick - not yet, still held together with ties I'm kinda waiting on a member of another forum who is organising a custom section to eliminate the joins in the OEM system, failing this I might just grab an oem section for £20

 

[kev85]

Thanks guys all your advice is greatly appreciated hope you do get your stuff sorted.. I will have to get the cam belt done soon then, will keep you posted.. think ill go for a independent as the car doesnt have a full Seat history anyway

 

[nealo]

my tdi cupra 160 is in for its 40k service next week. decided to get the cam belt changed too. the car is only 3 yrs old but thought it was better safe than sorry. My mates golf gttdi 150 was at 50k and 4yrs when his cam belt went! (also, who knows how long my belt had been sat on a dusty shelf before it was put on the car...)

i got a good deal at Ron Turnbull's in Middlesbrough. they quoted me £180 for the 40k service and £290 for the cam belt change (incl. tensioners, water pump, and aux belt). I asked for a bit knocking off for getting them done together and got an all-in price of £440.

pleased with that.

 

[beezanick]

Sounds like you got a good deal

 

[kev85]

That is a good price mate. I just rang my local dealer and was quoted £370 for the cam belt change (with water pump etc) on my mk 1 leon tdi. Also to add the full 60K service they said combined knocked down price was around £550 :s at the moment that is a lot of money! But I guess the piece of mind going to the dealer is worth it or is it?

Does anyone know any good specialist around leicestershire I could get a quote off?

thanks

 

[pekingprawn]

i've got a guy that does homers. i bought the cambelt kit and water pump for about 80 quid all in at vagparts and he does the fitting for 100 bones. nowhere near you though im afraid lol