2005 Passat TDI PD 130 bhp Timing Belt Change

[knoxman]

I am hoping that someone can assist me.....

I am getting conflicting information :confused: on the frequency for changing the cam / timing belt on my VW. I have a 2005 VW Passat Highline Estate TDI PD 130 bhp. My local dealer tells me that the recommended interval is 4 years or 60,000 miles. But the service schedule in the car documentation gives 80,000 miles as the interval for changing the belt, with no time interval. Several threads on this forum seem to be saying other times / mileage intervals.

Also, on this forum, some members are recommending that other items such as belt tensioners and the water pump should be changed at the same time as the timing belt.

I would be grateful for advice on all the above to ensure that I avoid the catastrophe of a belt failure and minimise costs. ;)

Many thanks.

The vehicle engine number is AWX 10570. The vehicle was first registered in April 2005 and has 52k miles on the clock.

[martin1810]

You get conflicting information because at times vw can't make up their mind. Your handbook probably says 80k or 5 years. The replacement kit is for belt, tensioner and idler. It's a good idea to change the pump at the same time. If you don't and the pump fails, the whole lot has to come off again, so basically it's unwise not to change the pump. If you ring round dealers you should be able to find a decent price.

[Fourbears]

VW are now specifying 4 years or 60K on all cambelts. Not worth the risk to go longer really. Like someone said, ring round for prices as they vary wildly!

[knoxman]

Great information. Many thanks, guys. I will start getting some pricing (I already have an estimate of £350 approx. for replacing just the cam belt (which I will check includes the kit mentioned by martin1810 above)) from Martins, my local VW dealer here in Hampshire.

[Laurie2212]

Great information. Many thanks, guys. I will start getting some pricing (I already have an estimate of £350 approx. for replacing just the cam belt (which I will check includes the kit mentioned by martin1810 above)) from Martins, my local VW dealer here in Hampshire.

Hi

I had mine done at the local SKODA dealer (same car as yours albeit an older model) - they were the cheapest (even cheaper than the local VW main dealer and the specialist independants). My orginal quote was £400 and included the belt, tensioners, water pump and 2 new drive belts. However, on strip down the alternator tensioner was found to be worn out - this put the total cost up to £503! Very pleased with the service which inlcuded a courtesy car for two days - but members are right - the prices vary widely! My car had had the first cambelt change at 60,000 (VW main dealer), and not wanting to fit a new engine decided to change mine at 115,000.

[cazyp]

Just done mine myself. Full belt kit + tensioners + water pump + G12 coolant + oil and filter-service change £144. GSF with taxi discount.

Easy to do but easier with 2 people to help lift the front off/round. No need to lock anything as long as you're careful not to move the cam/crank etc... Whole job took 3 1/2 hours. I done mine every 60'000 with oil/filter every 6000. HTH.

[lancashireblue]

same as above, pretty easy job around 3 to 4 hours, well worth a go yourself hardest bit is removing front of car, once this is pulled around to side the belt and tensioner is replaced in around 1/2 hour or so, it cost me £76 (belt and tensioner)and 3hrs last sunday, well cheaper than the ********....

[BVR.Automotive]

Great information. Many thanks, guys. I will start getting some pricing (I already have an estimate of £350 approx. for replacing just the cam belt (which I will check includes the kit mentioned by martin1810 above)) from Martins, my local VW dealer here in Hampshire.

You would be best finding a good local vw or audi specialist to replace the cambelt and waterpump, you would save loads compared to the dealers!

[ChillOut]

Great information. Many thanks, guys. I will start getting some pricing (I already have an estimate of £350 approx. for replacing just the cam belt (which I will check includes the kit mentioned by martin1810 above)) from Martins, my local VW dealer here in Hampshire.

I have the same car and same dilema. My local specialist will charge £350 all in with pump and aux belts and VAT (using ALL VAG parts, he won't fit anything else). Main dealer was around £550 for the same job.

I am toying with the prospect of pushing my luck and selling the car when its five year old at just under 80,000. But if you have any plans to keep it long term, you may as well do it ASAP.

In the end its a gamble - £350 pience of mind or £3K for a new engine (or more). And most buyers will ask the question and knock you down on the price. Flip side is the car is only worth around £5K!

But if you do go for it, do change the pump and belts at the same time - most of the cost is the labour.

[ddave05]

I have the same problem, but my passat is an 04 highline. I called the dealer it was last serviced at, and they said the 04 model onwards PD models only needed cambelt changes at 80k or 5 years.

I normally only service my vehicle based on the milage interval, and NOT the yearly/time basis. Just confused as to what to do regarding the cambelt as it is 5 years old but has only done 59k thus far. If i do the service fairly soon, do you think it is wise to buy the parts from the local skoda dealer? This will include the cambelt kit, the water pump (now with metal impeller?), the fuel, oil, air and pollen filters. It is after all the same engine in almost the same model that they sell (superb).

Another question relates to the variable service interval. The handbook says its on longlife, the last service it had was at 46k, so it has now done over 13k and the service light has not come on. Do you think i should just wait until the light comes on, and change over to the fixed interval servicing? Very confusing!! :zx11:

[ChillOut]

I have the same problem, but my passat is an 04 highline. I called the dealer it was last serviced at, and they said the 04 model onwards PD models only needed cambelt changes at 80k or 5 years.

I normally only service my vehicle based on the milage interval, and NOT the yearly/time basis. Just confused as to what to do regarding the cambelt as it is 5 years old but has only done 59k thus far. If i do the service fairly soon, do you think it is wise to buy the parts from the local skoda dealer? This will include the cambelt kit, the water pump (now with metal impeller?), the fuel, oil, air and pollen filters. It is after all the same engine in almost the same model that they sell (superb).

Another question relates to the variable service interval. The handbook says its on longlife, the last service it had was at 46k, so it has now done over 13k and the service light has not come on. Do you think i should just wait until the light comes on, and change over to the fixed interval servicing? Very confusing!! :zx11:

Yet another thing VW change their minds on - Variable or fixed service interval.

Sounds like you are doing the servicing yourself? If yes, you can only do 10K intervals without using a VAG COM to reset the service indicator. There is a way to reset to 10K - its in the handbook I think. The service light will come on around £15-17K giving you 1000 miles to get it sorted.

But VW now have changed the advice - if you are doing ANY of the following you have to go 10K fixed servicing:-

Low annual mileage, towing, enthusiastic driving style, harsh driving conditions (Hilly, mostly B roads etc). In essence, variable virtually only now recommned for reps on Motorways (who don't thrash their cars).

If the parts are compatible (fit wise) and cheaper or more convenient, I would say use the Skoda dealer. Many many parts are identical across the VAG range, especially under the bonnet (but I am not a mechanic, just a know it all!, so I could be wrong)

[cazyp]

I have the same problem, but my passat is an 04 highline. I called the dealer it was last serviced at, and they said the 04 model onwards PD models only needed cambelt changes at 80k or 5 years.

I normally only service my vehicle based on the milage interval, and NOT the yearly/time basis. Just confused as to what to do regarding the cambelt as it is 5 years old but has only done 59k thus far. If i do the service fairly soon, do you think it is wise to buy the parts from the local skoda dealer? This will include the cambelt kit, the water pump (now with metal impeller?), the fuel, oil, air and pollen filters. It is after all the same engine in almost the same model that they sell (superb).

Another question relates to the variable service interval. The handbook says its on longlife, the last service it had was at 46k, so it has now done over 13k and the service light has not come on. Do you think i should just wait until the light comes on, and change over to the fixed interval servicing? Very confusing!! :zx11:

VW now recommend 60'000 so it needs doing. If you see my post above I got the cambelt kit/water pump and oil/oil filter etc for a service from GSF for £144.
I change the oil/filter every 6000 - diesel engines will thank you for this later in life.
HTH

[martin1810]

With cam belts it's important to stick to which measure comes first. So if 5 years is up before 80K you should change it. This is particularly important with cam belts because they do deteriorate with age.

[ddave05]

Cheers for the reply guys (sorry to OP for hijacking the thread!)

ChillOut, I dont service the car myself, although if I had a ramp and the correct tools I wouldn't hesitate. The reason I was asking about Skoda compatible parts is that I use my local franchised VW van centre to do the servicing as they charge about half the price of the car centre for labour, plus you get the normal warrenty and the VW stamp.

They can service any diesel VW car, and as most of the vans are PD, they use the correct oils too. The service is first rate, and you can actually speak to the mechanic who has serviced your vehicle. My only hesitation with them is the parts they use. For example, im not sure on an oil service whether they would replace the sump plug or not. I will give both the van centre and Skoda a call tomorrow. The cam belt is an important component to replace, but it costs a bloody bomb so i'm just trying to reduce my outlay as far as I can ;)

[cazyp]

Cheers for the reply guys (sorry to OP for hijacking the thread!)

ChillOut, I dont service the car myself, although if I had a ramp and the correct tools I wouldn't hesitate. The reason I was asking about Skoda compatible parts is that I use my local franchised VW van centre to do the servicing as they charge about half the price of the car centre for labour, plus you get the normal warrenty and the VW stamp.

They can service any diesel VW car, and as most of the vans are PD, they use the correct oils too. The service is first rate, and you can actually speak to the mechanic who has serviced your vehicle. My only hesitation with them is the parts they use. For example, im not sure on an oil service whether they would replace the sump plug or not. I will give both the van centre and Skoda a call tomorrow. The cam belt is an important component to replace, but it costs a bloody bomb so i'm just trying to reduce my outlay as far as I can ;)

Very few tools - about £30 worth and no ramp needed for cambelt ;)

[ddave05]

Very few tools - about £30 worth and no ramp needed for cambelt ;)


But i'd probably need 1 to change the oil....

[cazyp]

No. ;)