Cambelt Change Warning!

[Zayd]

My 1.8T AGU recently became really lumpy and my specialist discovered a faulty control module for the coilpacks.  Whilst changing this and the rocker gasket he noticed that my cambelt, which had only covered 30K miles, was badly cracking. 

So, I promply ordered a replacement Contitech kit.  The mechanic also recommended that I also order and replace a hydraulic damper.  He said that it's an item very often overlooked and that it can cause your belt to snap.  After he'd done the work he showed me the old damper and the very poor state it was in.  The damper had actually seized and it was very fortunate for me that it didn't cause the belt to snap, especially after covering 107K miles!

So if anyone is getting a cambelt replaced make sure you also get this damper along with your kit.

[james2]

How much was the damper. 

[shaft69]

There 2 kits one with just roller or with damper, the roller fits onto the damper. Think about £30 in kit price difference.

[Gti_Jamo]

My damper was changed when it had its first belt on at 50k, recently done it again at 93k and the damper still looked and functioned like new so didn't bother replacing it. Most places will recommend to change it but its not always necessary.

[richw911]

Ive always changed mine and always used VW parts 

For me it goes without saying to replace it Every time 

Did you get the water pump done? 

[daz veedub]

was gonna say waterpump aswell, defo a must

[Wazzzer]

I don't use genuine parts but I have it changed on the button every time including the damper

[richw911]

I don't use genuine parts but I have it changed on the button every time including the damper

And water pump?

[Zayd]

Yes, I changed the Cambelt and tensioners, Water Pump and the damper.

[shaft69]

According to my hand book cambelt on all petrol 4cyl req change every 120k!!!!