Cambelt Change - Mk3 Golf Gti 16v

[dravidham]

Hi,

I am due the above and intend to have the work carried out very soon.

In advance of trying out a few local garages I just wondered if somebody could advise me of what an acceptable cost would be to have the work carried out at a specialist (total cost inclusive of parts).

Also I understand there are two options - a cambelt change and a 'cambelt kit' change - what are the differences in parts and also cost of the work please?

Thanks,

David

[gold682]

Hi,
I think a cambelt change is exactly that - they just replace the cambelt. The cost of a new cambelt is around £10. I think a cambelt change will cost about £200 inc. vat & belt.

A cambelt kit contains addiotnal items such as the belt tensioner Not sure if it also contains the water pump), but normally people that are having the cambelt changed are advised to replace the water pump at the same time, as there is no real additional labour costs.

Reckon on spending around £300 for the belt & pump change.

Cheers
Paul

[dravidham]

Thanks.

My understanding is that the waterpump replacement is necessary on the Mk4 golfs and leons, but I will look into the situation for the mk3.

Cheers for the reply.

[russvr6]

hi, im a mechanic and not heard of replacing water pumps on golfs when doing a timing belt job, make sure you fit a belt kit though, rather than just belt, with a kit you get a new tensioner which you need to replace, these usually wear out quicker than the belt. sorry dont know cost.

[zedmeister]

Would that be the same for a MK3 1.8 ABS engine? ie do I need to get a kit rather than just a belt? If you follow the instructions, can it be done by myself or is it a real specialist job. I have a Haynes manual.

[SneakyMcC]

hi, im a mechanic and not heard of replacing water pumps on golfs when doing a timing belt job

russvr6 will prolly confirm that changing the w/pump stems from stuff like my v8 engined Audi. To change the cb is a £700 job at the ********. If the w/pump then fails, all the stuff you've just stripped to change the cb has to come back off to change the w/pump!:aargh4:

[russvr6]

thats true, but if the water pump isnt leaking and t doesnt make a noise when the engine is running id leave it. id say about 200 quid to get ur belt kit fitted, not at a vw main dealer though.

[Crasher]

The ABF cam belt is the easiest VAG cam belt there is to do, easier than an 8v. The water pump is totally separate on the front of the engine and does not need to be changed, unlike on a Golf 4. All you need is the belt and tensioner.

[russvr6]

totally agree, even though i wouldnt play with the timing if ur not sure what ur doing.