2.0 petrol cambelt

[steamvalve1]

I have a 1999 2.0 8v petrol engine with 82K miles on the clock.
I've always taken it to VW for a service, but the next one 80K due now is nearly £300. So i'm considering not bothering and doing the easy bits myself (oils / filters etc.)

I asked them if that included a cam belt change, they said no - it was basically a normal service plus a plug change.
I asked when it was due a cam belt and they said there was not a specific age or mileage, they examine it each time it goes in for a service.

Can anyone advise when it might be due a cambelt change? I'd rather it didn't break on me.

Cheers..

[Bluesim]

Mate the cambelt should be changed at around 60k to be on the safe side.

There are several topic's on this, do a search under "cambelt" and have a look at the historic postings.

In short I would get it changed ASAP.

[topher]

I'd be more worried about the tensioner failing than the belt snapping. Most mechanics will tell you 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

At 80k and coming up to 6 years old i think you should look into getting the work done, just make sure they do the tensioner/pulley as well as the belt. While it's in pieces it's worth getting them to replace the waterpump too, since they'll have easy access to it at the time, they should only charge you for the part (about £30).

[Sugar79]

A big yes to getting the waterpump done at the same time!!!