Cam belt Intervals

[chilli_dub]

Ive done a lot of reading and it appears there are many mixed views on when the cambelt should be change on a mk3 2ltr 16v engine.

The current mileage on my car is coming up to 107k. The cambelt was last changed at 57k. Some people say you should change them every 60k or 5yrs which ever comes first. The haynes book says it should be checked at 60k and then again every 20k after that?

Question is, after forking out money to get my ABS fixed and get the car through its MOT im not in the financial position to get the cambelt changed on my valver just yet. Can i get away with inspecting the belt for signs of wear and tear, and if it all looks okay and tensioned correctly can i get the belt changed at a later date?

What are everyones thoughts on this? Cheers peeps!

[Mikester]

To be honest, if its gone 50k without a change, i would be wanting to get it done asap. If it breaks, its game over for the engine mate. And probably game over for the car.

Its not something to mess about with, and leave. I just had mine done at 130k when it was last done at 95k.

[Wayne]

Every 50k or 4 years

[AudiA8Quattro]

As above.

[chilli_dub]

Yeah, i will get it booked in this week. I wont be using the car for a while anyway, got a van for work. I took the cambelt cover off earlier and the belt looks very glazed with a score mark down the middle from a ribbed bit on the tensioner  It also feels a little bit on the slack side.

[Rmachines]

I aways say unless it looks perfect dont even think twise, get it off,  if it looks perfect, then refer to the history.. and still do it anyway 

[Mikester]

Agree with Rmachines, i would say change it every 30k personally. Also take into account if you ragg the hell out of it.