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

pmoule

Guest
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

Jazz Maveric
Jan 8, 2007
136
0
Oxford
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.
 
Dec 31, 2007
1,479
0
Reading
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.
 

Jochen

Guest
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mar 29, 2007
1,207
1
Berkshire
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

Texas Cowboy
Oct 17, 2005
2,474
0
Yorkshire
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
 

RikH

Texas Cowboy
Oct 17, 2005
2,474
0
Yorkshire
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
 
Mar 29, 2007
1,207
1
Berkshire
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

Back older greyer and less oilier but always hope
Jun 19, 2001
12,368
25
Gloucester
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
 
Dec 31, 2007
1,479
0
Reading
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
 
SWANSWAY CUPRA Dealership