GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: djianb on 15 January 2009, 16:03

Title: cam belt change
Post by: djianb on 15 January 2009, 16:03
how would i no if i need to change my cam belt, i've got no service history 4 the car, and is it possible to change it yourself or is it alot of hard work, and better done by a pro?? prices anyone??
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: oliver07 on 15 January 2009, 16:10
better safe than sorry also change the water pump I wouldnt try it myself but thats just me :laugh:
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Ridg on 15 January 2009, 16:14
you can change it yourself, but i wouldn't

cam belt is every 60K or 4 years whatever comes first, as said so the water pump at the same time
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: topher on 15 January 2009, 16:14
With no history, if it's done more than 80k get it changed. Even if the belt looks new there's no guarantee that they changed the tensioner/idler at the same time (which are the bits that tend to actually fail) and as above get the water pump changed over to the type with the metal impeller.
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: djianb on 15 January 2009, 16:18
how much are we talkin roughly?? what will happen if i don't change it?
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: the_stink on 15 January 2009, 16:22
well if it did break of fail etc then your engine is Fcuk'd  :undecided:
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Pete H on 15 January 2009, 16:24
you can change it yourself, but i wouldn't

cam belt is every 60K or 4 years whatever comes first, as said so the water pump at the same time


Ive heard it's 40k, what engine is it?
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: rheady on 15 January 2009, 16:24
If the belt goes your talking of a new engine. £200 should be the timing belt and tensioner changed add another £40 for water pump, which as it has already been mentioned should be changed at the same time.
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Ridg on 15 January 2009, 16:33
you can change it yourself, but i wouldn't

cam belt is every 60K or 4 years whatever comes first, as said so the water pump at the same time


Ive heard it's 40k, what engine is it?

no offence but you've heard wrong, the MK5 has a 40K interval on the cam belt, but the MK4 is 60K or 4 years
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: djianb on 15 January 2009, 16:37
is there ne warning signs of it going before it actually dies?
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: rheady on 15 January 2009, 16:42
I would rather keep my engine that spend the money on other mods to the car. It would give you piece of mind. Don't think there is any way of telling other than when your engine goes bang.
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Matt_Mk4 on 15 January 2009, 16:44
There is no real way of telling - until it's too late!

If it goes, then it will cost you around a grand (at a guess) to get your engine sorted!

Get it changed, along with the water pump asap!
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Pete H on 15 January 2009, 19:44
you can change it yourself, but i wouldn't

cam belt is every 60K or 4 years whatever comes first, as said so the water pump at the same time


Ive heard it's 40k, what engine is it?

no offence but you've heard wrong, the MK5 has a 40K interval on the cam belt, but the MK4 is 60K or 4 years

No offence taken buddy as I thought mine was due,but it does say in the maintenance section at the top of the mk4 section and also VW told me it is 40k.

Maybe worth checking.
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Dubbz on 15 January 2009, 19:57
Give VW a call 0800711811 and see if they can find any service info on your car. :afro:
if no info i'd get belt etc changed.  :nerd:
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: the_stink on 16 January 2009, 10:56
well on the subject i just rang vw heritage as i need to change the water pump and cambelt kit,

cambelt kit £89.04 and water pump is £34.05 they said that with the water pump there is some charge of £28.75 but if i take the old water pump down to them they will refund the £28.75

Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: Rhyso on 16 January 2009, 11:17
well on the subject i just rang vw heritage as i need to change the water pump and cambelt kit,

cambelt kit £89.04 and water pump is £34.05 they said that with the water pump there is some charge of £28.75 but if i take the old water pump down to them they will refund the £28.75



sounds like they refurb the old ones - thats a surcharge they put on it until they receive the old unit back - we do that in work  :smiley:
Title: Re: cam belt change
Post by: the_stink on 16 January 2009, 11:36
well on the subject i just rang vw heritage as i need to change the water pump and cambelt kit,

cambelt kit £89.04 and water pump is £34.05 they said that with the water pump there is some charge of £28.75 but if i take the old water pump down to them they will refund the £28.75



sounds like they refurb the old ones - thats a surcharge they put on it until they receive the old unit back - we do that in work  :smiley:

thats the one! :smiley: