I've just bought a mrk 5 GTI. I'm worried about cambelt

[Bobby11997744]

Hey. Thanks for looking at my thread.
I just bought a mrk 5 GTI. It has 75,000
And not much service history.
The guy said he had the timing belt done 2 years ago. But then I've just read there is a cam belt and timing chains. Are timing chains replaced?
I'm just trying to figure out if I need to change the cam belt asap to not take any risks?

[olethalb]

belt drives cam - cam drives second cam via chain - chain is not a service item

[SkyJawa]

where did you bring it to? 

[Johnboy2110]

where did you bring it to? 

 

[Gazza747]

I would suggest getting the cam belt, water pump and cam follower done just to be sure. Then you know you are fine for 4 years.
I had a warning light come up before I needed to replace the timing chain, tensioner and adjuster (fortunately under warranty).

[OSB]

Hey. Thanks for looking at my thread.
I just brought a mrk 5 GTI. It has 75,000
And not much service history.
The guy said he had the timing belt done 2 years ago. But then I've just read there is a cam belt and timing chains. Are timing chains replaced?
I'm just trying to figure out if I need to change the cam belt asap to not take any risks?

 Cam belt needs changing every 40k or 4 years.
The water pumps are known to give problems from time to time, so it's wise to have that changed at the same time - you have to take most of the same bits off to get to it, so do both at the same time.
Aux belt and tensioners are worth doing at that mileage.
Cam chain can wear and rattle but I think you hear that pretty clearly from what I've read. Big job too.
As per many threads - check the DV and PCV - fairly cheap and they are  if torn/stuck you get lots of power back!
Enjoy the GTI!

[Bobby11997744]

Thanks for your replys guys. I called VW servicing dept as they re assured me it's just a cam belt and no timing chains involved so I'm a little confused really

[Gazza747]

Some cars have a timing belt, these will all need replacing. Some cars do not have a timing belt, instead they have a timing chain. This will not need replacing at certain intervals as it is not rubber so won't wear and perish like a belt. Sometimes timing chains do need replacing.
The mk5 gti has a timing belt that needs replacing at certain intervals. It also has a timing chain, tensioner and adjuster but this will only need maintenance if a fault arises at some point.
If you speak to an experienced VW mechanic they will know about the additional chain. If you speak to someone less experienced at the service desk they may not know about the chain but they will know about the main belt.

[SiofChester]

Thanks for your replys guys. I called VW servicing dept as they re assured me it's just a cam belt and no timing chains involved so I'm a little confused really

They are wrong, there's both

[K9]

i had my cambelt and water pump + brake fluids changed and the car is a 05 and with 80.000km on it. cost me 500£ with work and parts in VW

[Golf_GT_TDI]

VW are doing the cambelt offer again £349, oh brake fluid change is currently £30 instead of £59

[Bobby11997744]

Hey, so I basically don't need to worry about the timing chain and just worry about the belt yeah?

[SiofChester]

Hey, so I basically don't need to worry about the timing chain and just worry about the belt yeah?

WOW 

[JP]

I just paid £59 yesterday for the brake fluid change at Lookers in Middlesbrough!

[Golf_GT_TDI]

I just paid £59 yesterday for the brake fluid change at Lookers in Middlesbrough!

It could be franchise based, Inchcape for one are offering it