Cam belt/shaft

[SaBiH]

Hi guys,
Only just picked up my 2007 Golf GTI on Saturday and noticed a noise from the engine.. it wasn't there when i picked it up, but noticed it the day after when i started the car. Its definately more noticeable (louder) when the car is started (cold start) than when its been running for a while and idling.

I took the car in this morning and was advised it could be the cam belt/shaft. The dealer is going to have a look at it tomorrow. I am lucky i guess as its still under new car warranty and therefore will be fixed free.

Firstly, is this a common issue? Secondly.. is this the notorious cam follower problem i have read about?

[Big Yellow]

hi my fellow gunners fan!

without hearing the noise its pretty hard to diagonose.

the cam follower can be a problem and is a common issue though it is a cheap and easy fix.

where abouts are you located? lucas might be able to take a look at it before you drop it into the dealers so you know what to expect.

[SaBiH]

Hi Big Yellow,

I already left my car at the dealer and grabbed a courtesy car.

To me, it sounded like a cam belt issue.. the squeaking/rotating of the cam belt.. i guess i will know tomorrow.

At least i won't be out of pocket as its covered under warranty.

Whatever the problem is, it was not affecting the driveability/performance of the car.


--- In Arsene we trust! ---

[Dubdabest]

I find my Jetta's engine relatively quite noisy/rattly (same engine as GTI) especially when the bonnet is opened on a cold start ... I even sometimes think it's almost sound like a diesel engine! But it's all good & normal I guess...

[Tim]

its a common fault.
The timing belt tensioners go bad and squeak until they warm up. Its not the end of the world. I havent heard of one failing completely yet.

When you pick it up are you able to confirm what they are replacing? I have heard that youre not supposed to change just the tensioner without changing the belt as well. I want to know if they will change the belt at VWs or at your expense

[Umai Naa!!]

A small amount of Dry Lube on the smooth side of the timing belt usually fixes it. They just get a bit dry over time.

[Tim]

A small amount of Dry Lube on the smooth side of the timing belt usually fixes it. They just get a bit dry over time.

I know of one guy that had his lubed by the dealer and then the noise come back not long after. The belt/tensioner was then replaced which seemed to fix the problem long term.

[Tim]

does the noise sound like this?

http://www.vr6.com.au/images/gtinoise.mp3

[Umai Naa!!]

I know of one guy that had his lubed by the dealer and then the noise come back not long after. The belt/tensioner was then replaced which seemed to fix the problem long term.

Paradoxically, we've had one that was lubed at around the 45,000klm mark, and was fine until the belt and tensioner were replaced not so long ago, at 120,000klms. It's probably one or the other, or a combination of both.

[SaBiH]

does the noise sound like this?

http://www.vr6.com.au/images/gtinoise.mp3

Yes TIM, the noise was the exact same as that mp3 you listed.

I got a call from the dealership today and they advised they are going to replace the timing belt(cam belt)... and that this is not something they do often (every 4 years or so per car) so they didnt have any in stock.. and will do it tomorrow.

[Tim]

interesting!

A friend of mine is bringing his car in to a Melbourne dealer next week I think. They diagnosed the problem as it being the tensioner and are making him pay for the timing belt replacement otherwise they were going to re-use the same one. Whilst they are in there he is getting the water pump replaced as well.. But at a total cost to him of over $500.

If that were me I dont think I would be happy having to pay for the belt out of my own pocket especially given it may be the belt causing the problem!

Anyways keep us posted on how you go.. My car has actually started making the noise recently as well so im going to need to go through all the warranty joys myself

[SaBiH]

I will let you know how i go.. i only just picked up my car plus its still under new car warranty so they are not charging me for the work.. so they say

[utopian]

Hi one and all,

I'm Tim's friend who is getting the timing belt, pre-tensioner and water pump replaced... tomorrow morning.

The line the dealer took was the timing belt and water pump are classed as consumables and therefore not covered under warranty. Also, it would need to get done at the 90k (or 105k) service anyway (currently on 65k), so may as well get it done now, while VW Australia is paying for the labour and pre-tensioner. All up cost is around $530; an apparent overall saving of $600 or so than if I had to pay for it all.

Not the happiest of chappies, but I figure these things happen. Besides, after checking that there is no other work in the 90k service which would require the engine to be operated on, I figure my 90k service will be a little cheaper this way. I'll just have to remember to get the belt done again at 165k.

Cheerio,

B

[utopian]

Morning all,

Well, the job is done and it ended up costing $469 and change.

The noise has disappeared and I am basking in the glow that invariably comes after getting something fixed on the car; you know, it sounds better, revs smoother, etc. All illusory, of course

Anywho, hope others who are having the same noise get it fixed for free

Ciao!

[SaBiH]

Morning all,

Well, the job is done and it ended up costing $469 and change.

The noise has disappeared and I am basking in the glow that invariably comes after getting something fixed on the car; you know, it sounds better, revs smoother, etc. All illusory, of course

Anywho, hope others who are having the same noise get it fixed for free

Ciao!

Hi Utopian,
I had my timing belt (cam belt) changed over aswell, luckily mine was part of the new car warranty and therefore did not cost me anything. The car now sounds like it should.. quiet.. (well quiet enough for a 4cylinder engine).