Cambelt + Brakes

[wombar]

Hi All,

Thanks to you geniuses, I fixed my golf stalling problem last year so thanks a lot guys.

Anyway, I was hoping you lot would be able to offer me some advice on my car again.

Basically my cambelt needs changing as my 97 MK3 Golf GTI 8V has just hit 60K. How much should this cost?

Is it something that someone without a lot of experience could do? I've replaced a rear ABS sensor in the past to give you an indication of my skill level.

My car has also started to make a high pitched sqeeling noise when I'm driving along, but there doesn't seem to be any common factor, happens more at lower speeds but thats about it. If I touch my foot REALLY lightly on the brake pedal it stops so I'm guessing it's coming from one of the front wheels.

Apparently my disks and pads needs changing all around, could it be that? Or could it be a wheel bearing?

How difficult is it to change brake pads and disks? Basically I'd rather do the job myself but if it's a case of you really need to know what you're doing, I'll book it in somewhere. How much should new pads/disks cost all round?

Phew, thats about it, any advice would be much appreciated.

[jte]

Brakes -

Changing brake pads is a doddle.? Changing front discs is quite simple.? Changing rear discs is more challenging because the wheel bearings are in the discs.?

I would say have a bash at the front discs and all the pads yourself, a Haynes Manual gives plenty of detail on the procedure.? Read about changing the rear discs carefully and decide if you fancy giving it a stab.

For a blow by blow account of changing rear discs on a mk 2 see http://veedubbers.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=howtomechanical&action=display&num=1106269032 I think it's a very similar if not identical procedure on a mk3.?

[audiquattro]

Front discs are fairly simple, however the bolts that hold the brake pad carrier on are difficult to remove, this is because the bolts are too long and stick out the hub, so the ends rust?
As Jte said, there is a detailed guide, and also one for front discs/pads, but its NOT allowed to be posted on here, down to jealousy from this site's owner.

Jealousy is a terrible thing 

[jte]

As Jte said, there is a detailed guide, and also one for front discs/pads, but its NOT allowed to be posted on here.

Oh dear, i should have known that.  I didn't mean to stir anything but it is really a very good and useful guide.

[audiquattro]

Agreed, and forum members on here SHOULD be able to access it if they so wish.
What is the point of censoring the link? its there to help others, thats the point of it.

[wombar]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately that link doesn't work for me, come us with a "coming soon" domain name registrar thing.

Regarding the brakes, I might just have a go at the fronts and see how I get on. If I struggle with those, I'll book it in to get the rears done. How much do you lot reckon it should cost to get the brakes done all round?

Could the sqeal be from a wheel bearing?

The problem with diagnosing problems like squeaks etc is it's all about experience. Until recently I've never really done much of my own maintenance and after doing the ABS sensor myself, I've seen that it's not terribly dificult to do the simple jobs yourself. I guess it's similar to building/fixing PCs, once you've fixed a few problems you get a feel of what could be the source of a problem.

Cambelt I'm not sure on, I'll have to look in my Haynes manual when I get home. I suspect that I'm more than capable of doing it, I just need to have the ass. I seem to recall my local stealership quoted me something ludicrous like ?400 to get the belt changed, needless to say I won't be giving them any business.

Anyway, the replies are much appreciated.

[audiquattro]

Wombar, try

www.vag-sport .co.uk

remove the space

no doubt i'll have my password changed AGAIN for doing this 

[wombar]

Thanks for the tip I've bookmarked that site now.

[audiquattro]

No problems mate, we are all enthusiasts after all.
There would be no point doing the guides if they weren't there to help people.

[jv]

Ahh, what a great chap. And to think you always wanted to sell those guides