VW Polo Timing Belt
Discussion
I took my wife’s VW Polo in for a service with a garage I have used for many years.
They informed me that the timing belt needed changing but unfortunately they could not do it as it needs specialised VW equipment to calibrate the timing belt. (Is this the case?)
I called my VW dealer, gave them the registration, and was quoted circa £790 to change the timing belt and the water pump. As apparently both had to be done at the same time.
When I took the car in I was told, as it is petrol, only the timing belt needed changing.
However, when they took the cover off, it was discovered the water pump was leaking and therefore would have to be replaced.
They then proceeded to give me a separate price for changing the water pump over above the circa £600 for replacing the timing belt alone.
I went round and round with them but they wouldn’t budge. As far as I was concerned they had quoted me the circa £790 for the work. The fact they got the quote wrong didn’t seem to matter. I am now out of pocket.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
They informed me that the timing belt needed changing but unfortunately they could not do it as it needs specialised VW equipment to calibrate the timing belt. (Is this the case?)
I called my VW dealer, gave them the registration, and was quoted circa £790 to change the timing belt and the water pump. As apparently both had to be done at the same time.
When I took the car in I was told, as it is petrol, only the timing belt needed changing.
However, when they took the cover off, it was discovered the water pump was leaking and therefore would have to be replaced.
They then proceeded to give me a separate price for changing the water pump over above the circa £600 for replacing the timing belt alone.
I went round and round with them but they wouldn’t budge. As far as I was concerned they had quoted me the circa £790 for the work. The fact they got the quote wrong didn’t seem to matter. I am now out of pocket.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Yes, thoughts.
Firstly have the timing belt changed with the water pump. The belt drives the pump. So it's best to change them at the same time. Costs can vary with this. Do you know of any VW specialist in your area? They are likely to be cheaper but will use VW parts so the same service.
Secondly, if the belt were to go wrong, it will be new engine time.
Firstly have the timing belt changed with the water pump. The belt drives the pump. So it's best to change them at the same time. Costs can vary with this. Do you know of any VW specialist in your area? They are likely to be cheaper but will use VW parts so the same service.
Secondly, if the belt were to go wrong, it will be new engine time.
Wairds said:
They informed me that the timing belt needed changing but unfortunately they could not do it as it needs specialised VW equipment to calibrate the timing belt. (Is this the case?)
I've seen a few internet forums posts on this now.VW indies saying they cant/wont do the belt on the latest engines due to the equipment required to get the timing exact.
Despite me giving them the registration they priced it as a diesel where the water pump is associated with the timing belt. However in a 1.2 petrol it is independent of the timing belt (I am beginning to become an expert on this!). Hence when they discovered the water pump needed replacement it was regarded as a new job and priced separately.
When I spoke to my garage about this they couldn’t understand it as when they ordered a replacement timing belt kit, it also came with the water pump.
I know a quote is not legally binding but it annoyed me they didn’t accept their error and do it for the original quote.
When I spoke to my garage about this they couldn’t understand it as when they ordered a replacement timing belt kit, it also came with the water pump.
I know a quote is not legally binding but it annoyed me they didn’t accept their error and do it for the original quote.
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