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Author Topic: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?  (Read 2352 times)

Offline em2evol

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Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« on: October 05, 2009, 11:05:58 am »
Hi Guys

As the title says really - my GTI was 4 in May and has done almost 52,000 miles... I'm aware there are differing views on when the cambelt needs to be changed but I'm sure the manual says 120,000 miles or 4 years... why do I need to change it just because it's 4 years old (and can it wait until I have more money?!)

I need a service as well which involves oil change, spark plug change, couple of other bits... this with the cambelt change I can get for £500... good price?

Thanks guys   :happy2:

Offline bacillus

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2009, 12:24:19 pm »
The belt degrades over time and not just through "wear and tear" from high milage hence the 4 year/60k miles recommendation
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Offline prepree

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2009, 12:29:28 pm »
I have a 55 plate with 27k on and needs it be done in December, also along with a service. Not great timing with xmas but iv been told having the cambelt changed does improve the car a little, although maybe a placebo effect?

Offline rdfcpete

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2009, 12:39:34 pm »
With the others chucked in there, that is a good price imo em2evol.
I've literally in the last hour just been quoted £355 by a local reliable Porsche/VW specialist for the cambelt + pullys etc.

I'm on 58k and will aim to have it done before it reaches 61k miles. The manual does indeed say 120k, to which I don't think it's wise for any owner to push their luck for that long, although it is owner preference.

I'd go to the place that quoted you 5tonne as long as they're trusted/knowledgeable  :happy2:
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Offline winrya

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2009, 12:44:30 pm »
With the others chucked in there, that is a good price imo em2evol.
I've literally in the last hour just been quoted £355 by a local reliable Porsche/VW specialist for the cambelt + pullys etc.

I'm on 58k and will aim to have it done before it reaches 61k miles. The manual does indeed say 120k, to which I don't think it's wise for any owner to push their luck for that long, although it is owner preference.

I'd go to the place that quoted you 5tonne as long as they're trusted/knowledgeable  :happy2:

Yea my manual says 120k or 8 years :laugh:

I'm having mine done at 5 years which will be approx 45k.

I rang 4 dealers and a specialist and they all said do it at 5 years or 50k

Offline rdfcpete

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2009, 12:46:24 pm »
^ 50k? - Hmm.

See that makes me feel a little bit neglectful, although mine is an 06 plate so it's only just 3years 5 odd months odd @ 58k miles.

I supposed another 2k isn't gonna hurt.
Pete


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Offline cossy

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2009, 01:03:52 pm »
^ 50k? - Hmm.

See that makes me feel a little bit neglectful, although mine is an 06 plate so it's only just 3years 5 odd months odd @ 58k miles.

I supposed another 2k isn't gonna hurt.

Has anyone had or known anyone with a failure on the GtiV?

Offline winrya

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2009, 11:47:01 pm »
^ 50k? - Hmm.

See that makes me feel a little bit neglectful, although mine is an 06 plate so it's only just 3years 5 odd months odd @ 58k miles.

I supposed another 2k isn't gonna hurt.

Has anyone had or known anyone with a failure on the GtiV?


not heard of one yet and I spend far too much time on vag forums.  Maybe vw wanted to generate more revenue for the dealers?!?

Offline no golf clubs at all

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2009, 09:40:19 am »
I changed mine before the 4 years (just cos it was going into the garage for a service anyway), the indy said the cambelt was in perfect condition and no way needed changing, but of course we did it anyway (I insisted) ,....just in case it went and the worst happend.

Its all total scaremongering and when I tried to get the definitive position out of VW, indies, main stealers they all came back with several answers.

Offline bondy

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #9 on: October 12, 2009, 11:44:04 am »
thers no way i would recommed 120k on a belt. i would go for the 5years or 80k just like the previous models. If it states in the hand book that i wonder where you would stand with vw if there was a failure before there alotted time and mileage.

Offline Tarmac_Terrorist

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #10 on: October 12, 2009, 11:16:13 pm »
Don't you need a new water pump fitted at the same time as the cam belt?  Seem to recall it being recommended by VW

Offline BMX

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2009, 01:29:27 pm »
i remember a few years back audi vw sending letters out saying they had changed the policy on cambelts and now to replace them at 4 years old.
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Offline bacillus

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Re: Cambelt Change - Really Needed Now?
« Reply #12 on: October 13, 2009, 05:15:03 pm »
Don't you need a new water pump fitted at the same time as the cam belt?  Seem to recall it being recommended by VW

Yes, water pump should ideally be changed at the same time as it more likely to fail "prematurely" after the cam belt change.
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