When to change timing belt?
- Thread starter chrisbhoy88
- Start date
That is what I understand too. Mine is being changed for the second time on Thursday, along with the water pump. The car is 9 years old but has only covered 67000 miles.
I'm in a bit of a quandary on this subject. My '56' FR petrol hasn't had a cambelt change, but it's only done about 7000 (yes, three 0's). I can't see that it would deteriorate much, when mostly in my garage (I have the belt off my old Corolla GT, taken off at 40k, and that's still perfect). If I do decide to take the plunge, I won't bother with the pump or tensioner, for the same reason. Any comments appreciated.
It used to be just 60k but VW apparently had a lot failing from age that had not covered the mileage so now they say 4 years or 60k, whichever happens first. I would change it, and I would also have pump and tensioner done at same time whilst they're working in the area or you'll be risking running twice the timeframe before they crop up again, or have them potentially fail before you reach the interval. It was about £270 for the lot last time I had mine done on a 20vt.
Alrthough now I sit back and think, I'd find a decent independant VAG specialist and get their advice at only 7k.
Alrthough now I sit back and think, I'd find a decent independant VAG specialist and get their advice at only 7k.
Last edited:
I was in a dilemma about whether to get mine done or leave it for another year. However, I figured that if the belt were to fail my car would effectively be a write off. I have been quoted £311 for the timing belt and water pump by a local garage which I trust. According to the SEAT website their fixed price for both jobs together is £478 for a diesel engine. Petrols are cheaper.
I had mine done at 4yrs with around 14k I think. Had the full job with the water pump. Prob an overkill but looking at £1000's if the belt snaps.
Last edited:
at 7k I wouldn't bother, at 10years old I would defo.
for every1 else:
peace of mind, when hammering the throttle in tight combat with a bmw.. get it done!
I'll be looking at 2nd cambelt, w/pump & tensioner change next year. currently on 109k from new. remap @ 60k.
VAG (so called specialists) midlandVW did mine.. all ok. good for service & minor repairs. completely missed my bent driveshaft even after 2 visits and lots ££££ss.
for every1 else:
peace of mind, when hammering the throttle in tight combat with a bmw.. get it done!
I'll be looking at 2nd cambelt, w/pump & tensioner change next year. currently on 109k from new. remap @ 60k.
VAG (so called specialists) midlandVW did mine.. all ok. good for service & minor repairs. completely missed my bent driveshaft even after 2 visits and lots ££££ss.
Last edited:
ive worked for vag for over 30yrs and never had a belt go
if a belt has gone on a vag car its usually due to a failure of a tensioner or waterpump not the actual belt
ive seen tdis with original belts at 115k and at 10yrs
yes the belt had started to perish but not broke
i always change them at milage stated in service book not yrs
if a belt has gone on a vag car its usually due to a failure of a tensioner or waterpump not the actual belt
ive seen tdis with original belts at 115k and at 10yrs
yes the belt had started to perish but not broke
i always change them at milage stated in service book not yrs
It's a strange one this.
I've seen belts go on VW group vehicles yes, mainly petrols when it comes to lack of maintenance but only have I seen diesels fail when there's been something else causing them to go.
I have also seen a fair few 20vt belts either snap or shred teeth off or 1.4/1.6 16v belts snap or jump because of failed idler rollers but usually the main cause of premature failure is incorrect fitment.
I've never seen a pd belt snap but I have seen tensioners fail.
I've seen belts go on VW group vehicles yes, mainly petrols when it comes to lack of maintenance but only have I seen diesels fail when there's been something else causing them to go.
I have also seen a fair few 20vt belts either snap or shred teeth off or 1.4/1.6 16v belts snap or jump because of failed idler rollers but usually the main cause of premature failure is incorrect fitment.
I've never seen a pd belt snap but I have seen tensioners fail.
rubber perishes so regardless of miles if its over 4 years id personally get it done.
when a belt goes your engine is a write off, and with so few miles on your clock it would be such a shame to write it off!
for the sake of £350 (which was what i paid for mine at a seat main stealer) id get it done for peace of mind
they change your waterpump and coolant (obvs lol) too (and mine had a bath whilst she was there too
)I had mine changed today at my local MOT centre, who have always done a good job for me at a fair price. They charged £366 for the cam belt, water pump and an annual service, which didn't sound too bad to me. Unfortunately, they also pointed out the corroded exhaust, front tyres which are near to the limit and the badly rusted wheel arches, all of which I was aware of but was trying to ignore. More expense!
heard that tdi ie diesel engines had teflon coated belts fitted from the time of the golf v onwards. i was enquiring about belts today as doing my cupra and the mechanic said the belt needs to be teflon coated but when he heard it was a petrol engined car i bought, he then said the petrols didnt get them so thats maybe why the tdi belts last longer. my car is a late 2007 with 107,000kms on the clock, which is about 65,000 miles, so it needs to be done. i will be looking at the other belt and tensioner at the same time as they sqweak ever so slightly when starting cold. if you intend keeping the car best to get everything done and have piece of mind. even if you do sell, receipts are going to help keep the cars value up as much as is possible.
Similar threads
