Cam belt change interval

Tripletrouble · 28-04-2017,10:50 AM

Hi
My car is in for a 75k service (2.0Tdi, 2013 manual).
Can someone clarify 100% with proof if possible what the recommended interval is to change the cam belt?
The garage is saying now, I am positive I read in the handbook it was 120k?

**JamesMo** · 28-04-2017,01:01 PM

From memory, in my pre FL the manual said something like 120k miles but with no time limit, Audi will tell you it is 4 years no matter the mileage. Just checked my FL manual and this says '210k KM/133k miles' again with no time given. Belts do degrade with time so it is up to you if you want to take the risk.

**Gmonster** · 28-04-2017,07:34 PM

Good question TT... and one I'm also interested in the answer too. I remember seeing (in manual?) 75,000 miles or 4 years; whichever comes first. Then you add/include tensioner and water pump... for a gold plated job. Think I will go for 4 year replacement, once confirmed.

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Tripletrouble · 30-04-2017,08:57 AM

I have searched everywhere on the internet and cannot find a definitive answer, it's really annoying me!

**Rob69** · 30-04-2017,12:46 PM

If in doubt and you intend keeping the car get it and the pump etc done. 120k is a long way to go and you might find the water pump or tensioner gives up the ghost before then. Sorry - that's not 100% proof!

**dtwort** · 30-04-2017,01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Rob69

If in doubt and you intend keeping the car get it and the pump etc done. 120k is a long way to go and you might find the water pump or tensioner gives up the ghost before then. Sorry - that's not 100% proof!

I second this. If it were me I'd have both the cambelt and the water pump replaced now. It's just not worth the risk of leaving it to 120k.

I also have a feeling that from memory the manuals said 120K but the engines were snapping belts early so VAG lowered the milage / time. Before I had my A6 I had a VW Passat with the same 2.0 TDI Engine and the milage was lowered for cambelt replacements because belts were snapping early.

Hope that helps.

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**zollaf** · 30-04-2017,01:33 PM

120k timing belt interval and an oil change every 20k makes for very good reading if you are buying 100 of them as company cars for your staff. that means in the 3 years you will keep them they wont need a timing belt and only maybe 5 services, very cheap to run, especially when that other brand will need a 600 quid timing belt. thats 60 grand you have just saved yourself.. bring on a big bonus.. stuff any subsequent owners..

Tripletrouble · 01-05-2017,09:39 AM

Interesting that there's lot's of speculation but no-one seems to be able to provide absolutely 100% certain when it needs to be done!

**zollaf** · 01-05-2017,09:44 AM

it 100% certainly needs to be done before it snaps. after that it gets expensive. very expensive.
stick to 75 k or 4 years and you cant go wrong. problem is, as i said, they like to stretch the limits these days in order to sell more new cars to fleet buyers, which is where its at. different sources say different things, so maybe you wont get a definitive answer other than the one i have just given. maybe its just best to listen to the collective and take their advice , and if you do this you will never have to suffer a snapped belt.. or, leave it until it goes and add your info to the statistics .. will it last 100k, maybe 200, who knows unless you try it. are you a gambling man ??

**dtwort** · 01-05-2017,09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Tripletrouble

Interesting that there's lot's of speculation but no-one seems to be able to provide absolutely 100% certain when it needs to be done!

Hi Trippletrouble,

The info I provided about the manual saying something like 120k but the belts were snapping early so VAG lowered the milage came from my local VW dealer.

I don't have a document on it though. Maybe ask your local main dealer to answer the discrepancy between the two?

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