Cambelt Changing

[saunders1587]

Hi there im dan and i have a vw polo 1.4CL 8 valve.

my car has done nearly 45k and i am about to change the cambelt on it, i have a feeling the 1st major service on this car is at 60k but as the car has been stood for a while i am going to change it sooner as i would not want it to break as it could be perished or torn.

If anyone has any ideas on what the cambelt is also driving could they please write back, i have a feeling that it maybe driving the water pump aswel but i dont want to have to take the alternator belt off then the cover to find ou what else its driving as when i do all of that im nearly there!!

any comments on this would be much appreciated

thanks

[Singlespeed]

Just give the VIN number to your local VAG parts dept. Should get you the correct VW approved belt

[saunders1587]

Just give the VIN number to your local VAG parts dept. Should get you the correct VW approved belt

thanks that makes perfect sense, do you fink pattern parts is a good idea for the belt and new parts? i know that vw parts can be expensive.

[Singlespeed]

Theres probably only a few pounds difference between original and pattern part for the belt alone. Different matter if you start paying for labour as well.

IMO cheap belts can be a false economy. As can saving money if you don't know exactly what your doing ( big understatement )

[saunders1587]

well i am currently working in a garage as an apprentice and one of the lads i am working with said they would help me, i would want to do it with someone else as it would help me 2 learn but also get it done alot cheaper. thanks for your input i will ring my local dealer on tuesday and get a quote on all the parts needed, and i can find exactly what i will need.

cheers

[Singlespeed]

well i am currently working in a garage as an apprentice and one of the lads i am working with said they would help me, i would want to do it with someone else as it would help me 2 learn but also get it done alot cheaper. thanks for your input i will ring my local dealer on tuesday and get a quote on all the parts needed, and i can find exactly what i will need.

cheers

Being as you work in a garage, try for trade discount as well then. Probably worth trying your garage parts supplier as well then and ask for the OE fit parts instead of the cheapest pattern crap.

I'm not saying that pattern parts are always crap, but once bitten by a belt snapping at 18K. Top end rebuilds cost a lot more than the relatively small ( if any ) saving on the belt/idler.