2008 1.9 TiD - Cambelt change intervals

[Kev_Mc]

What mileage / age should the cambelt be changed on a 1.9 TiD? I did ask when speaking to a Saab dealer the other day, but can't remember what he said. It was certainly higher than I thought (think he said 80k or 90k).

If the recommendation is that high - would you wait that long, or get it done earlier? If so what mileage / age would be recommended? On my old Skoda Superb the Skoda dealers would all say different things so I never knew where I stood.

[Kev_Mc]

Just had a look in the service book, and if I've read it right, it says 72,000 miles or 4 years, which is definitely not what the Saab dealer said 

[sgould]

72,000 miles is what I found when I looked at the 9-3 diesel which is the same engine.

[Kev_Mc]

72,000 miles is what I found when I looked at the 9-3 diesel which is the same engine.

Thanks Will 

Looks like I've got an expensive few months coming up. The next service will be due in August, and the cambelt will be due around Christmas.

How much does the cambelt cost to be replaced at a Saab dealer?

[sgould]

I don't know, but you should budget for a new water pump at the same time.  These are a weak point on the 1.9 engine.  If they seize the timing belt goes and the valves hit the pistons.  But not as bad as in some engines.  The 1.9 diesel is designed with weak rocker arms which will break if this failure happens, so the main parts of the engine are undamaged.  Still not a cheap repair though.

[Kev_Mc]

I din't know, but you should budget for a new water pump at the same time. 

Exactly the same as is advised for the VW PD130 diesel. Will definitely get that done at the same time.

[Wessy]

From 2007, Saab changed 1.9 cambelt change to 90,000 miles(05/06 was 72,000).

[sgould]

Thanks for the correction!

My WIS is too old now.  I will stick to 2006/7 and earlier. 

[jmblack]

Would people wait until 90k, or do it earler? If so, when.


Much preferred my petrol with the chain......

[collywobble]

It may be a little agricultural but the 2.2TiD does have the benefit of a chain driven camshaft. Pity this engine was not developed further but I suppose the b****y cost accounts won the day! The belt driven camshaft is what puts me off changing to a newer Saab.

[jmblack]

Perhaps shows my lack of knowledge, but I've never understood why engines are designed with belts instead of chains anyway!

[Max Headroom]

... I've never understood why engines are designed with belts instead of chains anyway!

Me neither! 

[Audax]

Perhaps shows my lack of knowledge, but I've never understood why engines are designed with belts instead of chains anyway!

Means you don't have a chain to lubricate and at a guess reduces the weight of the engine a bit.

[Steve440]

Also cheaper to produce and runs quieter.

The manufacturers probably also think they can make more money out of them with servicing and engine damage if they go?

Steve

[CitTone]

The manufacturers probably also think they can make more money out of them with servicing and engine damage if they go?

You old cynic, you....