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inspection of gti cambelts+tensioners


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as title says, i had a new cambelt kit fitted today. 2 belts and 4 tensioners/pulleys.

i asked the garage to save the old parts for me, they had done 51k miles in my GTI and 5 years old. and there looked absolutely nothing wrong with them, no signs of wear. the smaller of the 2 belts had alternating wear marks on the top surface, but looked merely cosmetic, the structure was as new and the toothed sections perfect. so i conclude that a 50k interval between timing parts changes is fine. the parts would have easily coped well beyond 60K i dont doubt.

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i'm sticking to the 4 years / 40k regime set out by the manufacturer. i have seen the results of premature belt snapping/ tensioners breaking up. vw have set it to 4 years/40k for a good reason

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I'll be changing mine at 40k/4 year aswell, they probably would lost beyond that, but if they were to go after 40k/4 years old and i hadn't had them changed i may have a very knackered engine with nobody to fund the repairs except myself.

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i'm certainly not against caution. i maybe tempted to stay at 50k/5 years again, but i may change sooner, it is better to get it done rather than worry about it. one things for sure, i already have in my mind that i will still own my gti in 5 years time smile.gif style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

Edited by qually
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i must note that since i have had the kit replaced a rattle i once had has now gone. if this is connected to the timing kit i am relieved, and maybe there is a play that develops in the tensioners, that can not be seen visibly.

so you know what. 40k miles dudes.

it will be done.

Edited by qually
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My 2003 Arosa 1.0 had a tensioner go at about 2.5 years old, and about 23K.

So im sticking to the 40K or 4 years.

I got my TDi Arosa done when i got it, on 26K.

But my 1.0 had a new tensioner at the above mileage and then had a new cambelt at 25K in 2005 when it had its engine replacement. But now im not sure when to change the cambelt. Im not sure if they replaced all of the tensioners or not. So i think with that one ill be waiting for thr 60K ro 6 years now huh.gif style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":huh:" border="0" alt="huh.gif" />

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having said that i can hear the quiet rattle again, so it wasnt a problem with the tensioners. i think its an exhaust or heat shield rattle, sounds like that. i ahve heard of alternaotr/starter motor problems, but i dont think they make a noise after engine is running.

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  • 3 weeks later...
having said that i can hear the quiet rattle again, so it wasnt a problem with the tensioners. i think its an exhaust or heat shield rattle, sounds like that. i ahve heard of alternaotr/starter motor problems, but i dont think they make a noise after engine is running.

Just out of interest, how much did it cost you, if you don't mind me asking? And was it at a VW garage or an indie?

Just so's i've got some ammo for when I go to the garage for a quote....

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can you find out from VW if the cambelt has been changed?

I got the car at 48k, currently on just over 51, but the garage i got it from has 'lost' the books that came with it

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cambelt kit with 2 belts and 4 tensioners was £45 and indy garage labour was £80.

+vat

Sos, more questions!

Is that an indie that specialises in VW's or just a "reputable" indie?

Is it a job best left to a VW specialist - i'm coming from the point of owning a Rover 200 Vi, which was a nightmare when anything needed doing on the top end as no one would touch the vvc unit, other than specialists who had the right tools and charged quite a lot (though not as much as Rover... tongue.gif style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":P" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" /> ) - or is it a fairly simple belts off, tensioners off, replace and then gooooooooooo! type job.

And before anyone says yes I'm not very mechanically minded - changing oil is a big job for me!

Ta, Ian

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ive just had mine done. at 49k. i paid 200 for the cam belt kit. and the water pump. no point doing the belt unless you do the water pump.

the removed items off mine looked as new. but best to be safe than sorry smile.gif style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

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just because its cheap doesnt mean its of low quality.

Hmmm, I shall give them a look. It DOES seem very cheap, agreed, but as you say that is not neccesarily an indication of crap bits. Though I would be interested to look at them side by side.

Mine is 4 3/4 years old, but has only done 20k! I am looking to get this done soon, as like you I am sure it will probably be ok, but can't stop thinking about it and I know how expensive it can be when things like this break!

Ian

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