[jblack]

Hello All,

My Golf's due for its 40k service in the next couple of weeks. I asked the Stealer when the Cam belt needs to be changed. He said that on the AUM engine it doesn't need to be done at all, ever!?

Can anyone confirm this as I find it a bit hard to believe[:O].

Cheers, Jim

 

[hz2921]

dont believe the stealer, hes talking out of his exhaust pipe!!!, I changed my cambelt,tensioner,rollers,and water pump, at 60,000, i think vw recommend getting it changed at something silly at 120,000!!!!!, but if the belt snaps at a mileage below 120,000, vw say that its just bad luck, ie no compensation, even though they recommend 120,000, best to change it.

 

[tylerama]

I along with quite a few other people on here have done theirs at 60k. VW say to look at it carefully at 60,80,100 and then change at 120k.. but I did mine for peace of mind as ?300 is better than say ?2000 for an engine rebuild ! My cambelt that came off does look in good nick, I have t oadmit, which makes me think perhaps it could be stretched to 80k. I can't see any splits or anything on it.

 

[Malky]

Decent stealers recommend 60K.

You have to ask yourself the question:

?300 or ?3K??

 

[vedhead]

Quote: posted by jblack on 14/11/2004 00:09:06

...He said that on the AUM engine it doesn't need to be done at all, ever!?...

He probably mistook the cambelt for the wing mirror

 

[leefrizz]

I just got mine done last week with 56k on the clock. I bought a genuine cambelt from VW for ?20 and got a local garage to change it - the job was quoted at 2 1/2 hrs but actually took 3 1/2 - still only cost me ?70 labour which equals a ?210 saving on getting ripped off by the dealers.

If I was you I would go to a local garage with a good reputation rather than paying the dealers labour rate which if I remember correctly is about ?65 hr + VAT

 

[tylerama]

Quote: posted by leefrizz on 15/11/2004 12:14:24

I just got mine done last week with 56k on the clock. I bought a genuine cambelt from VW for ?20 and got a local garage to change it - the job was quoted at 2 1/2 hrs but actually took 3 1/2 - still only cost me ?70 labour which equals a ?210 saving on getting ripped off by the dealers.

If I was you I would go to a local garage with a good reputation rather than paying the dealers labour rate which if I remember correctly is about ?65 hr + VAT

Did you get tensioner and water pump done too ?

 

[leefrizz]

Not sure what you mean Tylerama! I'm no mechanic just thought you took the old belt off and put the new one on!

Quote: posted by tylerama on 15/11/2004 12:34:15

Quote: posted by leefrizz on 15/11/2004 12:14:24

I just got mine done last week with 56k on the clock. I bought a genuine cambelt from VW for ?20 and got a local garage to change it - the job was quoted at 2 1/2 hrs but actually took 3 1/2 - still only cost me ?70 labour which equals a ?210 saving on getting ripped off by the dealers.

If I was you I would go to a local garage with a good reputation rather than paying the dealers labour rate which if I remember correctly is about ?65 hr + VAT

Did you get tensioner and water pump done too ?

 

[leefrizz]

Just read my Haynes manual cambelt section - it didn't mention anything about replacing the tensioner!

I have heard of water pumps breaking - is it worth replacing it or just waiting and hoping it doesn't fail!! How much we talking for a water pump? (parts only) and that'll be next on my list as the car's going in after xmas to get my new brake discs and pads put on, and hopefully a milltek cat-back, so I'll get anything else done at the same time.

 

[Caged]

The tensioner should be replaced at the same time, it is also recommended to change the water pump ( as these have a tendancy to go wrong) and the guide pulley.

Mine is being done tomorrow.

Scott

 

[leefrizz]

Ah forgot to mention - the belt that came off was in perfect condition but I got it changed anyway just in case - like everyone says better safe than sorry.

 

[leefrizz]

whoops! just noticed it reccommends changing the tensioning roller at the same time - if this goes is it as bad as the belt snapping!!??

If it's not that serious I'll probs just wait til I change the belt next time (in another 20k)

If not I'll book it back in and get this done.

 

[evilhomer]

Can never be too safe with the cambelt.. have had so many friends leave it, and pay the massive prices afterward. [] I'm just soooo glad that in this lovely V6 I dont have to worry about it anymore!!!

[]

 

[Craig_C]

I heard it was about ?700 for a cambelt??[:O] This sounds like cat's urine then according to what some of you guys are paying.

Mines done 42k and i was hoping to get another 2 years/20,000 out of it - sensible??

 

[evilhomer]

Naa ?700 is the minimum amount you will pay, if you dont get the cam belt changed and it all goes horribly wrong!!!

Between ?20 and ?60 for the part, and labour costs vary.[^]

 

[Craig_C]

Evilhomer - are u being sarcastic or saying everyone else is using a hoover belt instead?[??] ?700 is what i've heard which is nothing like some quotes here.

(hard to tell on a forum sometimes[])

 

[evilhomer]

Evilhomer - are u being sarcastic or saying everyone else is using a hoover belt instead? ?700 is what i've heard which is nothing like some quotes here.

(hard to tell on a forum sometimes)

[]ROFL - No I was being serious... as far as I know ?700 is extortionate for the cam belt and fitting on golfs. I have seen high prices with some other manufacturers that have big engines in there motors, like fiat. this is bcos they require engine out, to do the cam belt.

The belt is not pricey really, and the job not too difficult, there's quite a bit of room to work in, in the bay. My v6 (which is more of a squeeze) fortunately has a timing chain, so not a concern..

Although this reminds me, anybody no about the other belts that need replacing on the 4Motion, ie alternator etc? How often, how much?

 

[Craig_C]

Yeah, unfortunately I thought you were[]

I heard it was all labour as well. Tell me 40k is far too early to be thinking about this[:O]

 

[Craig_C]

....as an aside a girl at work with a 5 year old Laguna just paid ?900[:O][:O]

I thought that was scandalous.....I mean - Laguna!?

 

[evilhomer]

Do not pay ?700!!!! Shouldn't need to even think about til 60K get it done then. And don't go to stealers, especially if you are out of warranty (Incidentally VW stealers are now the only flavour that still invalidate your warranty if you go elsewhere for work... but that will soon change with new regs!!! two fingers up to VW!!!)

[]