Cambelt question?

[sair928]

I have a 98 mk4 Gti 1.8t which has done 142k (still going strong and looks fab). I have had the car since 2000 and had the cambelt replaced at 80k. It is due another service shortly and as I no longer have it done by VW am unsure as to whether I need to replace the cambelt again and if so at what mileage? Any suggestions?

[nel636]

quite a bit mileage there! from what ive been told its best to do it every 70-80kish or every 4-5 years but thats only what ive been told. i wud make sure you get the belt changed from VERY reliable dealer if you dont go to the vw garage because it can cause some serious engine damage if it does go wrong. just think of it this way - pre-empt the task. i.e save for it now before it goes completely and save that bit extra and get it done at the vw garage thats what i would do.

[Eshrules]

no no no if you had the belt done @ 80k last and the car has now done 142k, it is 2k overdue.

please, get this booked in asap.

across the golf mk4 range, the interval is 4 years or 60k, whichever comes first.

as has been said, ensure the garage that changes it is trustworthy and ensure the tensioner gets changed as well, you may look to changing the water pump as well as you have to take the belt off to get to it anyway and at 142k, its probably ready for a change.