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Author Topic: Cambelt changing  (Read 2457 times)

Offline Carl123

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Cambelt changing
« on: August 28, 2014, 08:25:52 pm »
Probably been spoken about soo many times but just wanted ppls views my mk5 golf gti is on 83k and the cambelt was changed last in 2010 at just under 49k haven't really got the funds right about now does it really need to be changed or could I hang it out for abit still  :scared:

Offline doylebros

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2014, 08:38:56 pm »
If the engine is free from leaks (both oil and water) then that wouldn't worry me as the original time was six years before replacement!

Offline Carl123

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2014, 09:17:17 pm »
If the engine is free from leaks (both oil and water) then that wouldn't worry me as the original time was six years before replacement!
No leaks or anything just one them things as I need to do my cam chain and tensioner but ain't really got the funds to do both just that tapping noise is doing my nut in lol

Offline Tortaruga

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2014, 10:10:59 pm »
If the engine is free from leaks (both oil and water) then that wouldn't worry me
?? :confused:
How on earth does this indicate cambelt condition?
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Offline 56OctyVRS

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2014, 10:52:14 pm »
If the engine is free from leaks (both oil and water) then that wouldn't worry me
?? :confused:
How on earth does this indicate cambelt condition?


I think he means if he hasn't an oil leak or water pump leak causing contamination on the timing belt then it should be okay.
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Offline homesqueeze

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2014, 04:17:40 pm »
Cambelt should be changed every four years regardless of mileage. Will probably be fine after that time, but it is a gamble that only you can decide on.
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Offline 56OctyVRS

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2014, 06:38:47 pm »
Unless VW use inferior quality parts, the timing belt should last years. Ford quote 10 years or 100,000 miles for my partners Fiesta.
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Offline Carl123

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2014, 10:31:21 pm »
Cambelt should be changed every four years regardless of mileage. Will probably be fine after that time, but it is a gamble that only you can decide on.
Well I'm gonna take it to a friend at some point gonna do the cam chain and tensioner so I'll be able to see if the cambelt is really bad or not that way I'll decide if I can leave it to early next year

Offline OSB

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Re: Cambelt changing
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2014, 02:31:13 pm »
I had mine done recently at my local Indy - they have 2 ex VW trained mechanics - they have not had 1 failed VW mk5 cam belt. and some had done quite high mileage before being replaced.
BUT what does fail are the cam belt tensioners, asst pulleys and bearings and the water pump. Not all together and not in that order! Any of those let go and you are stuck.

Cam belts can break or the teeth can strip off - it is documented. If that happens, especially at speed, then an engine wreck is likely. You might get away with bent valves and a damaged head, but is it worth it?


I had all parts changed plus coolant, for peace of mind.

And I had the 'bypass thermostat' changed at the same time as it was drained down - nice quick warm up now. It was stuck fully open!
« Last Edit: August 30, 2014, 02:34:01 pm by OSB »