Cambelt confusion

[gib6107]

My 2003 PD150 (39K miles) has just had its 40k inspection service at VW. All OK but they did advise that the cambelt & tensioner should be replaced at "60,000 miles or 4 years". Obviously the car is now 4 years old but well below 60k miles.

OK, I've always thought that it should be done at 60,000 miles, but seeing as mine has only done 39,000 despite being 4 years old, do I need to get it done? I know it's a big job and would rather put a few more miles on the clock first.

For argument's sake, what if it had only done 20,000 miles in 4 years, would it need to be done then? DOesn't seem right and I'm guessing its's just another moneyspinner for VW.

Anyone with any advice on this? Cheers.

[topher]

The theory is that the belt can perish and deteriorate over time, aswell as through use. Generally though, its the belt tensioner that fails first, so inspecting the condition of the belt itself can be a waste of time.
I kept an eye on mine and changed it at 7 years old and 85000 miles..

[gib6107]

cheers - where do I need to look to check it?

[topher]

If you have to ask that question its probably best to get a mechanic to give it a look

You can check the entire length of the belt for splits or cracks, missing teeth and just general wear etc. The tensioners usually get a bit noisy as they wear out, but you can give the belt a pull to make sure it's doing it's job properly.

The problem is.. these things can just go, you'll never get anyone to 100% say 'yep that'll be fine' which is why most people change them for peace of mind.

[richandhazel]

I would recommend changing it after 4 years regardless of mileage. My mates 1.8 20V Passat was due at 60000 miles and it stripped the teeth at 550000........the car was 5 years old at the time! Bent every single valve. We didn't get much change out of £1000 to fix that.

Something to think about is that although the mileage is low, if all that mileage is short journeys then there is a lot of stop/starting which is when the belt is under most stress. Cruising along the motorway piling on the miles isn't puting too much load on the belt.

I believe VW introduced the time limit of 4 years because so many belts were failing prematurely on mileage. I remember reading a bulletin about it somewhere.

[richandhazel]

Just had quick check and the interval was 80000, it failed at 78000.

[gib6107]

how much is it to replace cambelt and tensioner?

[richandhazel]

You should be able to get it done 'all in' for around £150.

[gib6107]

cheers - just noticed you're only a few miles away from me. Do you know any good local independent VW specialists? Would rather get odd jobs done anywhere but the main dealers if poss!

[richandhazel]

I don't know anyone locally I'm afraid. I do all my own work.
I used to do a bit here and there for friends but I've stopped all that now as it never leaves me enough time for anything else.
A couple of work colleagues have had theirs done recently, hence the price of £150 sticking in my head. I'll see if either of them used anyone near us.