Golf MK4 GTI Servicing

[littlemissmagic]

I have a 2001 MK4 Golf GTI (1.8 Turbo) which has just done 70k miles, and is due for it's yearly service soon.

I am very confused by the Service manual, and I really want to know when it's cam/timing belt needs changing. I know it was "checked" at 60k but i can't make sense of when it needs changing, or checking next.

Praying it isn't due soon, or in the past!! :confused:

Please help

Thanks

[darkhorse1001]

80,000 miles i think.

[littlemissmagic]

Thank you - at least i get another year then.

[tornadored7]

Thank you - at least i get another year then.

:(, I certainly wouldn't risk that.

I believe that VW now state that timing belts should be changed;

Maximum replacment interval: every 4 years
Maximum mileage: 60,00 mileswhichever comes first, and am a little confused as to why the belt was only checked rather than replaced at 60,000 miles.

If the timing belt or tensioner is damaged, it is likely to slip or snap, causing very expensive engine damage. A cautious timing belt replacement is definitely the best preventative servicing you can do, particularly with over 70,000 miles on the clock.

Whilst changing the timing belt, It is highly recommended to also have the following replaced;


Check cam seals and replace if required (i.e. any oil leaks near the timing belt)
Tensioner and roller (normally changed during a TB replacement anyway)
Water pump and coolantI'm not sure if the Petrol GTIs use the same temperature / coolant sensor as the Diesel GTIs/TDIs, but it might be worth checking that your temperature / coolant sensor is working as well (i.e. a VAG-COM scan), if the water pump is going to be changed.

:confused: Still can't decide ? :confused:

Please see the excellent and very relevant thread below for most details;

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=23614

TR7

[littlemissmagic]

Thank you for that, definitely think i am better being safe than sorry. I did know Cam belts can destroy the engine if they go, but also know that it can be expensive to replace, and now is a bad time financially...however, better that than needing engine rebuild, or new car!!

Will get it done this time then.

[tornadored7]

Hi,

You're welcome (actually Crasher and Brandon888 should also be acknowledged).

I know how you feel about the expense of the timing belt, but it will provide peace of mind and some long term assurance.

The reason the water pump is recommended, is that it can leak or stop working for various reasons, but is driven by the timing/cam belt. Hence, if in future the water pump got worse, it would require removing the timing/cam belt again.

Not much more in terms of labour costs to have the water pump replaced at the same time, so much more cost effective.

I know it is more expensive, but I would get the timing/cam belt and the water pump changed at the same time, and try and get a labour discount for both jobs,

Shop around for prices and push for reduced labour, ideally stick with a VW Specialist or an experienced mechanic you know and trust.

Best wishes.
TR7

[littlemissmagic]

Thanks again for your help.

Will get the water pump done too, sounds sensible, and i don't have good luck with that sort of thing!

Will make some calls to reputable garages etc, just fell out with my normal mechanic :(

Thanks again

[tornadored7]

You're welcome. :Blush2:

I'm glad that you're going ahead with the water pump at the same time as the cam/timing belt.

Get an agreement (and a price) to combine labour for the cam/timing belt change and the water pump, before the job is done.

Best Wishes,
TR7