1998 Passat 1.8T 20V Cam Belt, How do I know whether I need a change?

**damjee** · 11-05-2008,11:18 AM

Hi Guys,

First of all thanks for any replies.

I am just wondering how to figure out whether I need a new cam belt. I know that the last cam belt change was done at 80K miles, and now the clock is at 117K. Last time the cam belt was changed was in 12/2003.

For this specific model, does anyone know what the frequency of the cam belt change should be? and how much it would normally cost.

Thanks & Regards,
Dj

**barryw** · 11-05-2008,02:31 PM

I have the same model. I think the interval is 80K miles. That's when mine was done originally. I have no idea what the recommended time interval is though. I had mine done at the main dealers as part of the 80K service. The bill for everything was nearly 600 quid! Needless to say a large portion of that was labour. I will definately go to an independant next time.

**hinesh12** · 13-05-2008,10:42 PM

I just had mine done at 80k. NATIONWIDE Autocentres done it for £202 all in bargain.. should of been cheaper but they being tight, with the 10% clubcard discount.

**noddy1875** · 13-05-2008,11:37 PM

Seen a few Audi/VW dealers advertising on ebay to do this for about £300 on 4 cyclinder models.

Noddy

**ROYKEANE** · 15-05-2008,09:17 PM

i would ring vw and check the intervals,im sure they changed them last year to 60k or 4 years.
i know they did with the diesel timing belts.

ive also seen our local dealer advertising belt changes at keen prices.
i wouldnt take the chance,could work out costly if its not done!.

roy

**onzarob** · 15-05-2008,09:21 PM

Originally Posted by ROYKEANE

i would ring vw and check the intervals,im sure they changed them last year to 60k or 4 years.
i know they did with the diesel timing belts.

ive also seen our local dealer advertising belt changes at keen prices.
i wouldnt take the chance,could work out costly if its not done!.

roy

the interval is 60K or 4 years, so best to get it done

**ROYKEANE** · 15-05-2008,09:24 PM

too right mate!

**damjee** · 18-05-2008,01:14 PM

I had it done last Friday. Cost me £250. The quoted me £215 on the phone, but then after the job told me that they had to replace the belt with a more expensive kit than they initial thought it would need.

**frank-59** · 19-07-2008,03:55 PM

I've got a T reg Passat 1.8 SE 20v.
Just got a quote from a local independant garage, for approx £220. That's for the cam belt kit, water pump and anti-freeze, and labour.
So prices quoted here seem about right.
Also, it says in my service book, that timing belt should be changed @ 60k miles.

Hope that is some help.

**Corsadad** · 19-07-2008,09:08 PM

A lot of contradicting advice kicking about regarding this. One consistant fact is the time one at 4 years however and as yours was last done in 2003 it is due.

I put a post on
https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=42953
regarding my queries over the last couple of days with two dealers and VW themselves. Within a couple of hours I was quoted 40k, 60k and 80k although each said 4 years as the alternative. Both my cars are diesels (Passat 1.9 and Polo 1.4). Personally mileage wont come into it for me as they both do under 10k per annum.

It is engine specific so you can phone VW customer care quoting you reg number on 0800 711 811 for a "definitive"" answer for your car.