When to change cambelt?

**Crasher** · 13-07-2008,06:08 PM

Most cam belt failures or near failures I see are due to the tensioner or water pump collapsing although water pump bearing collapse is the most common reason. Some have also been from the outer poly V (ribbed) belt tensioner failing, causing the belt to fail and then become drawn into the inner area by the rotating lower pulley and then resulting in a belt jump. I hardly ever see failure of the timing belt itself although I have seen some come close with deep cracks on the outer surface and no sign of any problem with the tensioners, relay rollers or pump.

**thomaschung** · 13-07-2008,07:52 PM

There's a private plate on my car. The reg is W reg.

**Crasher** · 13-07-2008,09:41 PM

A 2000 model with an AGU engine. Delete your reg please.

**thomaschung** · 13-07-2008,10:03 PM

ok, thanks for the information

**sumomus_01** · 14-07-2008,10:53 AM

"Make sure they replace the engine mount to body M12 bolts; they are one time only bolts."

Please explain what you mean?

**Crasher** · 14-07-2008,11:11 AM

Err, how clear do you want it?

The bolts (long metal things with threads on and a hexagonal head for a socket) that hold the engine bracket to the engine mount, must be removed so they must be replaced as they can only be used once.

**Primo1000** · 14-07-2008,11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Crasher

Err, how clear do you want it?

The bolts (long metal things with threads on and a hexagonal head for a socket) that hold the engine bracket to the engine mount, must be removed so they must be replaced as they can only be used once.

Crasher would most reputable garages know this as I have just had belt tensioners and water pump changed and I'm a bit worried that maybe they reused the bolts.

**Crasher** · 14-07-2008,11:28 AM

Some dealers, most specialists and I would say nearly all general garages don’t know this (even if they are aware of the problem, they don’t know which bolts are affected) but they learn when the bolts come loose and the customer gets upset. A very large percentage of bolts and nuts on modern VAG products have to be replaced, it drives me potty. We have an alcove in the stores with two walls of bins for bolts and one wall for nuts, and then we still get caught out. As a general but not perfect rule, if the tightening spec is torque plus an angle, it has to be replaced.