Cam belt change?

Guru

Guru

Guru

Soldato
Joined
8 Jun 2005
Posts
5,275
I understand this is one of the major expenses of motoring.

I've just bought a car that has never had it changed.

I understand that they need changing at a particular mileage and also at a certain number of years.

The car I have bought it a 2002 (52) 1.6 Petrol Golf. It has only done 22106 miles.

Should I be thinking about changing the cam belt or not?

If it goes what are the consequences?

Thanks,

G
 
Usually it is 5 years or 60,000 miles although some cars are 10y, 100000
I would think that your car needs it doing but check your manual, if the cam belt goes it usually means an expensive rebuild
 
You don't want to change just the cam belt for the service you are thinking of, you want a whole new kit which, depending on engine, will need a number of belts and tensioners. Best get the whole lot done because if you don't one part could fail later and then you will need a complete kit replace anyway.
 
Christ that sucks! is there any way I can have it looked at to see if it really needs doing after 22,000 miles?
 
I've always done all my Golfs at 30k. It should be ok till at least then, although condition of the belt can always be checked by someone who knows their way around them. Don't panic, it'll be ok - but if I were you I'd have it done at 30k just to be on the safe side. :)
 
Guru said:
Christ that sucks! is there any way I can have it looked at to see if it really needs doing after 22,000 miles?
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Doubt any garage will commit to say its fine as if there is a fault and it fails they stand the chance of being held liable. Should be ok but if your uneasy about it then get it changed just for piece of mind.
 
Isn't most of the cost involved in a cam belt change due to having to remove a fair few bits of the engine to get to it? So if they do check the condition they may as well just change it anyway.

I got the belt done on my Focus and it cost £200 so not to bad really. The cam belt kit was £60 so the rest was labor.
 
Is it something Kwik fit do?

I only ask because a friend owns one and I rarely pay much Labour. If it is something they can't do then fair enough, but if it is something they do I could probably get it done for half price or something :)

(please don't just slate Kwik fit, I know they have a bad reputation ;)
 
I dont think they do cam belts, just easy bolt on/off stuff. Even if they did i dont know if i'd trust them tbh.

Better off finding a decent indy. The place where i went even picked the car up and brought it back while i was at work :).
 
Autodata said:
Replacement Interval Guide

Volkswagen recommend check at the first 60,000 miles and then every 20,000 miles (replace if necessary).
No manufacturer's recommended replacement interval.

The previous use and service history of the vehicle must always be taken into account.
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Mark A said:
Isn't most of the cost involved in a cam belt change due to having to remove a fair few bits of the engine to get to it?
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Yes, but not the same parts that are removed to check it. It's called a cam belt cover and there's about three bolts holding it on.
All the labour in a belt change is removing all the auxilliary belts, pulley's and re timing the engine. :)
 
Mark A said:
Isn't most of the cost involved in a cam belt change due to having to remove a fair few bits of the engine to get to it? So if they do check the condition they may as well just change it anyway.
Click to expand...

You can't really check the condition of a timing belt, other than very obvious cracks, delamination etc. But a perfect looking belt on the outside could have internal damage that causes it fail.

A VW dealer should be able to advise on the correct service schedule for the timing belt.
 
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