garage broke my polo with timing belt change!?

julian · Post by **julian** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 7:15 pm

yesterday my 1.6 8v R 1998 went into a garage for a service and they also recommended a timing belt change. i suggested that they also do the water pump and tensioner as well.

he said that the tensioner is probably ok and will last another timing belt and the water pump on this wasn't connected to the timing belt, which I knew was wrong but thought they'd work it out and do best.

anyway, picked it up yesterday evening after they'd had some trouble getting the belt on without too much 'squeeling' which they said was normal for that engine! since i picked it up it has been rough to drive, sluggish and stalling a number of times.

so today after about 13 miles the temp just sky rocketed and steam poured out, so pulled over and called the AA, he first took out the termostat, wasn't that, then he thinks the water pump has gone so does a pressure test on it and instead of the pressure 'pulsing' up and down like he said it should it just kept going up. the water he put in also gradually leaked out of somewhere.

anyway, my question is would this have been caused by them doing the timing belt wrong? either by not putting it on the pulley correctly, the tension being too low or just being aligned incorrectly.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

mysteryboy · Post by **mysteryboy** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:00 pm

Thats such bad luck mate.

Personally I'd be tempted to hold the garage liable for all damages...

You told them to change the water pump which they failed to do and even possibly didn't fit the timing belt properly.

I've never heard any mechanic say the tensioner is fine.... When you change the timing belt you change the tensioner together... it's just common sense I dont see why they'd leave the old one on.

Try going back to the garage with someone a little more mechanical minded and kick of... if they fail to offer any assistance or accept liability look into some legal action.

dragon_green · Post by **dragon_green** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:14 pm

Take it back. I assume you've got the receipt for the work? Sounds like the garage have got it all wrong.

julian · Post by **julian** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:19 am

thanks for the replys.

i had the AA tow it back to the garage just before they closed and they are having a look at it this morning and phoning me at work.

just hope that they don't try and argue with me because as far as i can see they don't have a leg to stand on.

i'll let you know how it goes!