Cam belt confusion on Golf GTI 1.8T

PeterT

PeterT

PeterT

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Hi, I have a Golf GTI 1.8T that I bought new in 1998. I can't quite get to the bottom on when the cambelt should be changed.
Last year when I booked it in for a service I asked and was told that it was changed on mileage and not age. The car has now done 39,000 miles so quite low mileage.
Today I asked the same question and ws told that it should have been changed at 4 years or 80,000 miles, whichever is sooner.
I am well aware of the engine wrecking potential when the cam belt snaps but if someone knows one way or the other I would be pleased to hear.

Cheers, PeterT
 
Lots of people now saying 40k for cambelt interval on these. Some reports of early failures.

For peace of mind, I would get it done now.
 
PeterT said:
The belt has not been changed before.
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Then absolutely get it changed as a matter of urgency! Low mileage is NOT the best thing in the world ever so don't think you can miss things becuase its low mileage.

Come to think of it, how many services has had it had since new?
 
"Low mileage is NOT the best thing in the world ever so don't think you can miss things becuase its low mileage.

Come to think of it, how many services has had it had since new?"

Fox, If you read my original post you will see that I have tried to get to the bottom of this issue for some time but have received conflicting information from the VW main dealer that supplied the car to me brand new in 1998.

Car is always carefully serviced in line with the schedule with me being meticulous in checking that a thorough job has been done. I even specify the fully synthetic oil to keep those bearings well lubed. You would go a long way to find a 9 year old GTI in better fettle than this one.

No need for the question that indicates a degree of negligence might have taken place.
If you have read some of my other posts will see note that I have a keen interest in cars as I run 2 other cars including a new S3.

PeterT
 
I didnt mean it like that. Just get the belt changed ASAP.

Inline with what schedule - lots of people make the mistake of following the VW longlife service schedule for low mileage cars. This could technically result in an 8 year old 40k mile car thats only been serviced twice....
 
Only the later VW's are on the longlife service schedule, otherwise its every 10k

If you've followed the service schedule to the letter then how has the belt not been changed yet, depending how you look at it should have been done 3 or 5 years ago!
 
As I have tried to indicate, my local VW dealer has given confusing information regarding cam belt changing. It is only when I ask about it that I get a response. If I do not mention it then neither do they.
Even today when I booked the car in I initiated the conversation about the belt. They have the whole car history on screen and still say nothing.
What I worry about is the people who don't have a clue about how a car works and have probably never heard of the cambelt. Are the garage neligent when this type of advice is not given without prompting? Do they wait until the belt snaps causing major damage to the engine and then rake in even more money for fixing the damage?
 
[TW]Fox;10648750 said:
I didnt mean it like that. Just get the belt changed ASAP.

Inline with what schedule - lots of people make the mistake of following the VW longlife service schedule for low mileage cars. This could technically result in an 8 year old 40k mile car thats only been serviced twice....
Click to expand...

Doesnt it state 20k or every 2 years, whichever sooner?
 
Well i was at my local VW Independent again today and whilst i was looking around got talking to the big boss man, Cambelts came up and i got him to check on the computer, according to his specs it:

A- Depends on the year the 1.8T was made

B- Is deffo every 4 years

C- is either 60 - 80 or 105k

But since your outside the 4 years i would get it done regardless of the milage.
 
[TW]Fox;10648750 said:
I didnt mean it like that. Just get the belt changed ASAP.

Inline with what schedule - lots of people make the mistake of following the VW longlife service schedule for low mileage cars. This could technically result in an 8 year old 40k mile car thats only been serviced twice....
Click to expand...

VW long life service schedule is when indicated by the computer on mileage or every 2 years. The computer gives an indication in miles and days but will go to service now after 2 years even if its done low miles.

A 1998 Golf won't be on long life so would assume the service scedule is every 10k or 1year. I would get the belt changed ASAP as almost 10 years on the same belt is risky a lot of dealers give out different scedules for example mine recommend every 4 years or 60k.
 
I have just checked in my service book and there is no mention of the cambelt change for my car.
Even my Haynes manual says that VW specify inspecting at 60K and then every 20K and then renew at 120K.
I don't want to ignore it I just like concrete advice!
 
Thing is if you check it, i assume its about the same amount of work as changing it so whats the point checking it every 20k...

Money maker i assume!
 
the agu ive been dabbling with lately says 120k in the handbook. it was done at 60 for some reason, so aint due till 180 now
 
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