Rich R32

Took some pics after finishing work 12ish (midnight) 27/11/10 here in the NE. Then out on the open road (apologies in advance for mobile phone quality) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC4OEslFlr4 Although the loop (now lowered) did well to get around. I got stuck behind some crazy peeps! Winter tyres on the horizon me thinks!

Sage Mountain National Park

The Sage (part deux) Adhering to the rules

Changing the subject slightly...Gordon Brown (ex PM)? Bet you've heard that loads? Sorry I'll grab me coat!

Gordon, PM me your email and I'll see what I can do? Rich

The Sage

@ Carribean on board Destiny Cruise Ship

x2 As it happens my mate's garage did the cambelt service (correctly) and on the same day using all vw parts. Touch wood the loop is now back to 100%! Thanks for your input and kind words

Hi Ad, it's such a shame that these horror stories at the main dealers are becoming a bit too frequent these days? Hence I'm not surprised peeps are going to independent specialists to get better quality work/service for their money. How things have changed? Rich

Thanks for the heads up Penry. The water pump has been replaced.

Jamie, oh dear that's frightening. So potentially peeps who are unaware of this are driving around with a ticking time bomb? I'm just glad my mate's garage (independent vw specialist) change all the said parts and NOT just the belt. At least we know now... Cheers

I hear what you're saying...but surely you'd think a main VW dealer would change all the surrounding components? I am told the cambelt, when bought from the dealers come as a complete kit ie a belt, tensioner & roller etc. The only extra component (not included) is the water pump? I agree I was very lucky indeed! Cheers

Hi folks, after a little research on the interweb. I didn't quite find the answer to a problem which suddenly appeared two days ago? What initially started as a faint whining noise appeared to get louder during acceleration. And before anyone mentions it, NO I haven't got a supercharger ( if only ) lol. Anyway, I decided not to use the car until today with the intention of getting this annoying whining noise looked at. My initial thoughts were, the under tray is possibly touching the alternator belt? Here's what my mate's garage discovered as I gingerly drove in there... To say I was a bit shocked is an understatement! After looking through the paperwork/invoices in relation to the car. My understanding was the cambelt service had been carried out when due at around 60k at the dealers? The car has now covered 93k? Am I missing something here? Although (unexpectedly) out of pocket and a tad peed off, I feel slightly comforted knowing it could have been a lot lot worse?! Would like to hear your thoughts on this guys/gals? Anyone had a similar problem? Rich

Thanks bud, I'm slowly working on it as we speak!

Thanks Mike the plan is to restore the loop to pristine condition...plus a few subtle mods nothing drastic. I personally prefer the oem+ look. I agree on the fuel bill thing, prior the lupo I was driving a standard A3 1.8T NOT cheap as a daily runner!