Cam belt change at what age/mileage

[Johnboyc]

Reading the manual, it seems that my Nov 03 2.5TDi Avant Quattro Sport (180) needs the cambelt changing at 80K miles.

I have also heard that the belt should be changed when the car is 4 years old (nothing detailed in the service book).....so as my car has only done 25K miles when should the cam belt actually be changed.........cos I cannot wait to spend loads of cash getting it done (err NOT!) !

Cheers

JC

[onzarob]

It needs changing now as the belt start to perish after 4 years.

Rob

[Johnboyc]

It needs changing now as the belt start to perish after 4 years.

Rob

But I have only just purchased from York Audi......SURELY they would of informed me !

[onzarob]

Well thats the VW recommended time, if they sold it with full service history, then it should of been done. 'eshurles' on the forum had the same issue and got it replaced for free by the garage. there is a therad somehwere on it, try and do a search.

Rob

[stua4]

mine needs doing now. Should I go audi dealer or not.....

[Johnboyc]

Well thats the VW recommended time, if they sold it with full service history, then it should of been done. 'eshurles' on the forum had the same issue and got it replaced for free by the garage. there is a therad somehwere on it, try and do a search.

Rob

Well, I called Audi UK up and asked their technical dept, and was informed that the cambelt is to be changed at 80K miles....no age limit.....so I have asked Audi for a letter in writing confirming this....
....and should the worst happen and the cambelt break before 80K miles, I will be heading to the small claims court !

[Fettler]

mine needs doing now. Should I go audi dealer or not.....

Try and find a recommended local independant, will save you lots.

[Lee_m]

how much would this cost to change at audi?

[onzarob]

Well, I called Audi UK up and asked their technical dept, and was informed that the cambelt is to be changed at 80K miles....no age limit.....so I have asked Audi for a letter in writing confirming this....
....and should the worst happen and the cambelt break before 80K miles, I will be heading to the small claims court !

I would get the belt check out, that advice is somwhat against the industry. Alfa has half all it milage recommendation for there cars as well.

I also have a xsara and it done 70,000 belt change at 80,000 I check the belt at 68k and it was cracked and perished(I booked it in next day!).

I would ring a couple of garages and i'm sure they will give you the state of play.


As for costs I was quoted £415 inc all belts and water pump from the Audi dealer, who also have a VW dealership and charge less an hour there!!!!

Rob

[skymaster]

Funny how Audi will say the belt needs doing due to it's age when the car is in for a service and you will end up paying for it. But... when they have sold you a car all of a sudden it's OK to leave it until the miles rack up!

Maybe be shrude, call their service department and say you think you want to book it in for a cambelt. Say it's 4 years old and ask if it needs doing? If they say 'Yes sir, it must be done after 4 years or catastrophic engine damage may result' get their name then call the sales manager and ask him to get it booked in for free!