60,000 mile service/Cambelt change

[LC23]

Hi All

I've never posted in this forum before, just looking for a bit of advice for a mate who has a 2003 Leon 1.4 petrol. He is coming up for the 6 year service, which he understands is a major one (usually carried out at about 60,000 miles) + cambelt change. He has been quoted £600 by Seat to do this work. I have already told him to get himself a good Indy instead. Does the cambelt need changing at the 6 year service, or should it be on mileage? His car has only covered 45,000 miles so far.

thanks

[cuprabob]

The service interval for the cambelt is both time and mileage dependant. IIRC correctly for SEAT it's 60k miles or 5 years whichever comes first therefore at 6 years it's best to get it changed.

When the cambelt gets changed, the tensioner should also be changed. For the minimal increase in cost it also makes sense to have the water pump changed as well as these can be prone to failureand if it needed replaced at a later date you would be talking abould the cost again as the majority is labour

[LC23]

Thanks Bob. I have advised him that he should do the water pump, tensioners, belt etc. all at the same time. Seems it's quite a labour intensive process so he will have to swallow the cost on that and get it done. Even my mechanic, who I 100% trust, is looking at around £350 to do all the above work.

[cuprabob]

Your welcome.

For all that work and piece of mind I think £350 is a fair price.

The Leon has a lot of common faults therefore it's worth a look at seatcupra.net should any issues arise.

[wullie_t25]

Just had the timebelt done on my 02 Polo 1.9 TDi, so 7 years old and 60k.

I would not have trusted that belt to do another 1000 miles, it was badly perished and cracked.

£150 for a timing belt is far cheaper and easier than an engine change.