Timing belt 1.4 16v BXW engine

[dm222]

Hi,

I called SEAT to get a quote to change the timing belt they said that it is 700€ but it is not necessary to change, it should just be checked and changed only if necessary...

In fact I found this image that could be interpreted both ways...

Thoughts? Are they wrong?

Thanks

 

[RUM4MO]

As far as I know, the timing belts of these 1.4 16V indirect injection petrol engines were, as far as VW Group in UK were concerned originally recommended to be replaced along with tensioner and even the top roller, at the 4 years or maybe 60K miles, due to a design change for engines built after maybe 2007, the recommendation changed to every 5 years or 60K miles, I seem to remember that the design change removed the need for a lower roller. Remember there are 2 belts, the long crank to cam drive belt and a very short exhaust to inlet cam drive belt.

On my wife's 2002 VW Polo with the BBY engine I had the belts etc replaced at 4.5 years, and 9.0 years - the mileage run on each belt system would have been less than 60K miles. On my older daughter's late 2009 SEAT Ibiza 1.4 16V BXW engine, I got the belt changed at 5.5 years and again at less than 60K miles.

Again, as far as I know, these belts are not "fitted for life" so do need replacing to avoid severe engine damage if they fail, if your car has never had its belts ect replaced, I would advice that you do it now, and also get the water pump replaced at the same time.

The later belt driven petrol engines like the 1.2TSI 16V and 1.4TSI 16V are fitted with a more robust timing belt and VW Group claim that they are not normally a service item and list that belt as "fitted for life" - but, in the official workshop manual use exactly the same wording as you show in that picture, ie examine over its entire length maybe at the 60K mile or 5 year service, then again at every service, only replacing if it shows signs of failing. I for one will be planning to get the belt on my wife's 2015 VW Polo 1.2TSI 16V when that car is maybe 7.5 years old, the mileage at that point will be roughly 45K miles as I don't want to cause that engine to wreck itself while I try to save money.

Edit:- it could be that as your ambient temperature is higher than that in UK and possibly does not swing so far from summer to winter, that your local conditions allow your belt to last longer, but I'd still suggest replacing it now.

 

[dm222]

Hi RUM4MO

As far as I know the manual recommendations dont change according to region, but I think salt on the roads used in nordic countries, and not used here, should have an effect on the belt.

It was replaced in January 2013 at 90.000kms, which is 55.000 miles, the car is now nearing 180.000kms and I was about to change but then SEAT told me its not necessary, also i think the value is too expensive, I will ask other dealer their opinion.

I was expecting something in the 300-400€ range from what I read in this forum, doesnt make sense that it is more expensive here than in the UK

 

[RUM4MO]

There is a possibility that you are getting quoted for replacing the cam belt on the newer EA211 family of petrol engines like the 1.2TSI 16V and 1.4TSI 16V - or your local SEAT dealership just does not want to be involved with doing that work on an older car, if so, lucky them that they can pick and chose which cars to work on.

I've never noticed any road salt getting into that area so I'd doubt if that is an reason for extending the period when it gets changed.

Just a pity that you do not have VW Group specialising Independent workshops to take it to, or a general garage/workshop that is known to be okay to work on these cars as there must still be quite a lot still running on the roads near you.

 

[dm222]

I specifically told them its not the TSI as that was my first though too.

My Manual says this:

"At 90.000km (the first time), and after that each 30.000km

* Cambelt: Check condition and eventually replace (only on petrol engines)."

 

[RUM4MO]

There does seem to be some lucky people that have never had the timing belts replaced on these earlier engines - so do you feel really lucky, if not potentially save money by getting that belt replaced.

On the price, yes from reading some newer forum postings on this topic, everyone seems to be getting charged a lot more money for this job!

 

[dm222]

Changed it in another place, it was 370€

Guess I would have to change it sooner or later, and I plan to keep the car for at least 5 years if nothing major happens. (Not a fan of spending money on new cars)

 

[RUM4MO]

Good result, now you should not need to rely on luck!