Golf GTI MkIV Cambelt Change

[simpsonskywalker]

Hi there guys

Bit new to all this.....

Its good to be getting like minded people together to discuss problems and good things about quality motors...

Only had the MkIV Golf GTI 1.8T for a few months, and loving every moment of it. Just had a service done at 67000 miles and they wanted to change my cambelt which should apparently have been done at 60.000 miles. Looking through the book i think it was checked at about 40.000.
They quoted very nicely a price of just over £400.00, which to me looks a little steep.

Anyone know if this is the only recomended way of getting the job done or if an independant garage or specialist would do just as good a job at a fraction of the cost.

Any help on this would be appreciated....

[Tony]

Hi simpsonskywalker,

When to change the cam belt depends on the type of engine you have. I have a W reg Golf GTi Turbo (AGU engine), and having asked a VW dealer, they said it needed changing at 120k miles, but obviously you'd change it before then.

VW checks the cambelt when you take in for a major service from 60K miles (i think) to see if it's loose or damaged. I've done 91K in mine and had it changed at a VW dealer in Aylesbury (for peace of mind and guarantee) for £280 (inc parts including the tensioners, labour and VAT). It does pay to ring around VW dealers to see what they are charging.

I'm sure independent garages are ok as long as they are reliable. Go for ones through word of mouth. Let me know how you get on.

Tony

[simpsonskywalker]

Hi Tony

Thanks for your help with that.

Mines the AGU engine too, and i've just been through the history and it was checked at just under 50k so 18k on with pretty gentle driving im sure it's ok, but i'll definately have it checked on the next service, and also ring a few other dealers to see what they say. Preferably a different chain of VW garage.

Strange that some say 60k and others 120k. Sounds like a money making scheme doesn't it !!!

We shall see what happens

Thanks again.

Luke

[Tony]

Luke,

When you ring round for prices ask them when the cam belt needs replacing. I rang around four VW dealers in Oxfordshire and Bucks, all said it needed changing at 120k although they recommend doing it well before. My quotes ranged from £370 being the most expensive to £280 with the one in Aylesbury.

Also make sure the quote includes the belt and tensioners. Some may quote just for the belt. I also got my water pump replaced because it was leaking which cost me another £80 (inc part, labour and VAT).

Good luck!

Tony

[Unclepeterman]

Had my 2L Golf GTI belt replaced at 60000 by an independent garage in Manchester for ~£150 in 2003 and just had the 120000 replacement done at another independent in the Newcastle area for £350 - this included full service, front discs & pads and a set of wiper blades! I would never use a dealership whatever make of car - my wife's first service on her new Punto cost £160 at a dealer.

Broken timing belts are very expensive - don't delay replacing it.

[dodds]

Hi UnclePeterMan, my mark IV 130ps TDI needs a cam belt change. Could you let me know where you had yours done in the Newcastle area. I'd rather go to an independent as I've had serious problems with the VW dealers in the Newcastle area (mentioning no names!).
Cheers, Ian.

[Nicks]

hey guys!

supposedly the mechanics are on commission at vw so when they get your car in and phone you up to say i think you need your cam belt changed it could be because you do! but it could also mean he needs some extra cash for his 3 kids.. but then again better safe than sorry or?

[Loofer]

Had my 2L Golf GTI belt replaced at 60000 by an independent garage in Manchester for ~£150 in 2003 and just had the 120000 replacement done at another independent in the Newcastle area for £350 - this included full service, front discs & pads and a set of wiper blades! I would never use a dealership whatever make of car - my wife's first service on her new Punto cost £160 at a dealer.

Broken timing belts are very expensive - don't delay replacing it.

Me too... well I would like to know the garage in Manchester that charged c£150. I know it was 4-5 yrs ago but I'm sure it won't be far off £150

Thanks

[RickT]

The cam belt was 120K on launch, since then there was a re-assessment and it is now advised 60K.

I would get it changed @ 60K if i was you.

There are loads of threads on the forum regarding this topic,

Remember to get the WATER PUMP changed at the same time!

Rick

[Unclepeterman]

My last service with cambelt change was at Winlaton Garage, Church Street, Winlaton, Blaydon-on-Tyne. Tel:0191 414 2346