cambelt change?

robbies_gal

i was wondering if anyone had advice on when to get the cambelt changed

i dont want to be stingy i cant afford it right now but am worried about when to do it

manufacturers manual (vw)says 60k other people have told me you must get it done when its 6 years old regardless of mileage

im on 47k at the moment and its already 6 years old am i taking a risk?

marlot

Yes, of course you're taking a risk. The question is how much of a risk, and will you get bitten?

The first factor in the risk is the amount of damage which could occur. This is largely determined by whether your engine's pistons will hit the valves if the belt breaks - a 'non-interference' engine will probably be OK, and 'interference' engine probably not. You'll need to post the make/model for someone to look it up.

The second risk factor is how much it would inconvenience you if it did break - if you're about to drive down to italy for Easter, say. Or if your car was off the road for 3 weeks whilst the engine was rebuilt.

The third risk factor you have no real control over, or real knowlege of the risk level - what's the chance of the belt breaking in the next day/week/month/year. That risk will be rising, but nobody can say when it becomes too high for you! You could, however, do a google on your make/model and form a view on whether it will last the course.

You say its a VW. I know that the recommendation on some VW belts was dropped from 60k to 40k. Hope your's isn't one of them

robbies_gal

thanks marlot

its a vw polo twist 1.4 petrol-the local garage keeps telling me 60k is alright i guess if they wanted to they could jsut say get it done now and get money out of me-thats why i thought well if theyre not trying to rob me must be genuine?

bryanb

Just to keep things in proportion a bit. A brand new belt could break at any time too. A small risk but a risk nontheless.

robbies_gal

can they really? is it because theyre too tight or something?

TiTheRev

May I correct you (sorry), i'm afraid the correct schedule for a VW is 4 years or 60k, so you are already 2 years overdue despite the low mileage.

FYI - VW have a nationwide deal on services and cambelts, with services being £129 for a 'Minor' service, £229 for a 'Major' service and all cambelt jobs are £319.

TiTheRev

gabbyevs wrote: »

can they really? is it because theyre too tight or something?

It would be highly unlikely, and if genuine parts are used would be covered by a 2 year warranty anyway.

robbies_gal

thanks for that so im 2 years over not one right ok-better start saving up i guess!

Hammyman

gabbyevs wrote: »

i was wondering if anyone had advice on when to get the cambelt changed

When the manufacturer says it should be done.

i dont want to be stingy i cant afford it right now but am worried about when to do it

manufacturers manual (vw)says 60k other people have told me you must get it done when its 6 years old regardless of mileage

im on 47k at the moment and its already 6 years old am i taking a risk?

Yes. It is 6 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) because the rubber deteriorates. So that £150 bill you're putting off could possibly cost you a complete new engine if the belt fails. The £319 just quoted is quite expensive for an average cambelt change.

Just a thought.

Incyder

I would look around for a good local mechanic. Not an expensive garage. I had my belt replaced on a 2.0i volvo for £100 including the belt. Get it done very soon.

As a general rule, its best to get the belt done at 75% of the mileage and time advised. So 3 yrs and 45k for yours.

slyracoon

The interval for my car is 50,000 or 5 years (whichever comes first). It had its first change at 90,000 and it is 10 years old.

The manuafacturers recomendation is only a guide and not a rule. Obviously not changing it in line with their recomendation is a risk. If it breaks you will probably need a new engine.

The cambelt change shouldn't be much more than £150 at a decent garage, maybe just over £200 when combined with a full service.