When to change a timing belt on Octavia vRS TDi

[MountainBikeMike]

I've seen a few fail around the 130,000klm mark.

I cringe when I read and hear that people are pushing close to that.

Sigh.. thanks for the last two replies. I'll get it done asap.

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[Umai Naa!!]

I've seen a few fail around the 130,000klm mark.

I cringe when I read and hear that people are pushing close to that.

[Diesel_vert]

I'm guessing the TDI is different timing to the petrol as that was a long interval for changing belts.

In Europe, CR TDI engines also have a replacement interval of either 180 000 km or 210 000 km (depending on the engine code) with no time interval. For countries with high dust levels (e.g. Australia), the interval is reduced to 120 000 km.

Nevertheless, the recommended replacement interval in Australia is 105 000 km/7 years.

So I should disregard what I read about it being done at 160-180k clicks abd get it done asap at 118k?

The belt is capable of lasting up to 180 000 km, but only in ideal operating conditions.

Note that there is absolutely no reason why it cannot fail beforehand.

The driving conditions and the operating environment in Australia, in most cases, would prevent the belt from reaching that interval without failing, hence the reduced replacement intervals.

It remains up to the owner to decide when to replace the timing belt, but disregard the recommended replacement intervals at your own risk.

[MountainBikeMike]

So I should disregard what I read about it being done at 160-180k clicks abd get it done asap at 118k?

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[Umai Naa!!]

Negative.

All the same at 105K or 7 years.

[woofy]

I'm guessing the TDI is different timing to the petrol as that was a long interval for changing belts.

[Mysticality]

What did it cost you? Someone earlier was talking about buying belt kits off ebay for not much

Quoted $1,580 but got for $1,250 from Camden GTI

EDIT: Combined with 135,000km service!

[MountainBikeMike]

Belt replaced, timing had to be altered a little bit due to belt stretch.

Condition a-okay, however!
Will probably run this belt until 270,000km instead of 240,000km... Won't take too long

What did it cost you? Someone earlier was talking about buying belt kits off ebay for not much

[Mysticality]

Belt replaced, timing had to be altered a little bit due to belt stretch.

Condition a-okay, however!
Will probably run this belt until 270,000km instead of 240,000km... Won't take too long

[Diesel_vert]

When I was buying the car we looked everywhere online and came to the conclusion that my belt change is a fair way away. I cant recall what the kays were but Im thinking it was around the 160 or 180km mark???? I Bought the car at 104k and now its at 118k. Its been serviced by an independant non-euro specific mechanic @ 115k, but hes really good.

Wondering now if I should double check, and if needed, get it done. I also need it looked at because its blowing blue smoke (although running superbly), and some wheel bearings are humming. Mine is a TFSI pre-fl manual 2008

In Europe, the replacement interval is 180 000 km (with no time interval), with the belt's condition to be inspected at 90 000 km, and then every 30 000 km thereafter and replaced as necessary.

In Australia, it's 105 000 km or 7 years, whichever is reached first.

So there is scope for variation, but one would have to be pretty confident in their mechanical diagnositc and evaluation skills.

[woofy]

When I was buying the car we looked everywhere online and came to the conclusion that my belt change is a fair way away. I cant recall what the kays were but Im thinking it was around the 160 or 180km mark???? I Bought the car at 104k and now its at 118k. Its been serviced by an independant non-euro specific mechanic @ 115k, but hes really good.

Wondering now if I should double check, and if needed, get it done. I also need it looked at because its blowing blue smoke (although running superbly), and some wheel bearings are humming. Mine is a TFSI pre-fl manual 2008

Sounds like our car, albeit ours doesn't have any issues. The TFSI is the same engine we have and it's 105k/7yrs to change the belt, you should get the water pump done as well. However it used to be 4yrs/90k so it may well have been done before you bought it, check the records.

[Mysticality]

I fully intend on inspecting the belt itself after the service, albeit more for personal curiosity!

I'll post a pic of anything out of the ordinary (or if its perfect too!)

[MountainBikeMike]

When I was buying the car we looked everywhere online and came to the conclusion that my belt change is a fair way away. I cant recall what the kays were but Im thinking it was around the 160 or 180km mark???? I Bought the car at 104k and now its at 118k. Its been serviced by an independant non-euro specific mechanic @ 115k, but hes really good.

Wondering now if I should double check, and if needed, get it done. I also need it looked at because its blowing blue smoke (although running superbly), and some wheel bearings are humming. Mine is a TFSI pre-fl manual 2008

[woofy]

It's 105k/7yrs if it has a belt, lifetime for a timing chain I thought. No idea what lifetime is though. Timing chains used to be around 100k at one stage. I would always get the pump done at the same time as they are bound to go later on. 130k was probably pushing it that you didn't have it fly apart although the mechanic would be able to say what state it was in.

[Mysticality]

I would have had my timing belt done at the 120,000km service had I been able to afford the extra $895 (or there abouts) at the time, now having the 135,000km service done at an independant including timing belt and a new water pump for $1,250.

Is it really 105,000km for the timing belt service?... Ouch. Oh well, good to know it can go the extra 30,000 if it has to!

(I had the 120,000km service in mid-nov, so it hasn't been that long. Car is 2y/o)