Cambelt change interval

**foxylad** · 03-04-2012,11:29 AM

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the cambelt change interval on my 2006 2.0 TDI A3 140bhp?

Its only done just under 51k but it's 6 years old now so that is what is concerning me.

Cheers,
Chris

**Eshrules** · 03-04-2012,11:32 AM

It's due, now.

general consensus is 4 years or 60k, whichever comes first. It tends to vary dependant on the engine, but I've never gone far wrong working on that basis.

**foxylad** · 03-04-2012,11:39 AM

Thanks for that eshrules.

The mechanic that I take it to (going in for MOT tomorrow) said that he thought the older 1.9TDIs were around 50 or 60k but he thought that the 2.0TDIs were more like 70 or 80k. He didn't mention anything about the time limit.

**Eshrules** · 03-04-2012,01:07 PM

I think your mechanic needs to do some more reading

Rubber weathers as well as wears, it's foolish (imho) to let the belt go so long without replacement, regardless of mileage.

The sobering thought here being the cost of a timing belt being replaced in comparison to the cost of (potentially) an engine rebuild.

**foxylad** · 03-04-2012,01:17 PM

Ok thanks for that. I think I'll just get it changed to be on the safe side. The last thing I want is damage. I think a lot of people would simply think that there is just a mileage limit to the change interval and not know that there is a time limit as well. I'll have a look in my manual when I get home to make sure but I think I'll get it done anyway.

**Eshrules** · 03-04-2012,01:45 PM

It's common sense to me, but I suppose to the less experienced DIY'er it might not be.

Remember that, erm, 'adults glove' you stored in your wallet for years, only for it to break when you finally came to use it?

Same principle.

**Piddles** · 03-04-2012,01:49 PM

Yes, rubber is a natural material that ages regardless of use..... get it changed.

There were some left over new Alfa 147 Selespeeds on the market a little while back that been unsold for so long that they had to have their cam belts changed before they went on the road even though they had only had around 5 miles on their clocks.....

**foxylad** · 03-04-2012,02:26 PM

Cheers guys.

**foxylad** · 03-04-2012,05:01 PM

Right, I couldn't find it in my manual so I thought **** it and phoned the audi dealer. They told me its 75k or 5 years, so defo going to get it done.