GT TDI Cambelt Change

[GR33NIE]

Wonder if anyone else has had their cambelt changed on their GT TDI or TDI Sport?

Rang a VW Dealer today for a service quote and got told it also needed a cambelt change as the cars 4yrs old (it's only done 34k!!) Checked it out in my owners manual and it states it needs to be changed @ 80,000 miles only

Maybe they are trying to pull a bit of a fast one me thinks!?

[alexperkins]

4 years or 80k whichever comes first

[Gra-GT]

Yeah I asked about that on one of the threads in here about 2 months ago, and it sparked some debate.

I had a call when my car got to 4 years old from VW saying I needed it changing at 60,000miles, although the book says 80,000. So I rang VW UK a while back to check, and they said it was 80k, or 4 years.

So even though you havent done the mileage, you should get it changed as its been 4 years.

I've just done 71,000miles in mine and its 4.5 years old, and getting mine done in the next few weeks, when I get round to ringing my mechanic!!!

[GR33NIE]

Didn't get it done in the end, 3 other VW specialists I spoke to all said 5yrs or 80K. So getting it done next year

[drewbar]

Ermm do so at you own risk mate, Mine had 44k on it and was at 5 years on the original belt, The condition of it was s**t when i changed it, really badly cracked up and the teeth were pretty worn too. I wouldnt gamble with this sort of stuff and get it done asap. Make sure you replace the waterpump too, its defo worth it.

[ihpj]

IIRC VAG have issued new guidance across their range to suggest belt changes @ 4YRS/60K across the board in the last year or two. With belts it is far too much of a risk to as the resultant damage caused [to the engine] will be more to put right than the belt change itself.

Usually it is the tensions that fail or the famed VW plastic impeller water pumps.

If you want I can recommend a first rate Indy here in Milton Keynes - or if you like play VW at their own game by having your local Dealer price match a local Indy. Whichever way you decide to go, I hope you don't decide to run the risk...

[Andrew457]

I had my 2004 TDI changed at 81k miles when I first took ownership. Make sure they change the waterpump at the same time and insist that you get a pump with a metal impeller, not a plastic one.

[david burton]

Did mine at 40k and it was 5 years old. I'd always go with the 60k recommendation as the consequences of failure are pretty terminal for the engine.

[GR33NIE]

Got the cambelt done today, £340 from a VW Stealership which I didn't think was a bad price in the end. Most other local places were charging £300 anyway so for the sake of £40 was happy to let VW do it and get the VW stamp