Cam Belt change at 40,000 km?

[djvw]

Hi all,

I have a late 2006 Golf 1.9 TDi which has done just under 40,000 km.
Teh service centre mentioned that the cam belt should be changed after 4 years or 80,000 km (cannot remember the exact number).

So, I have hit the time but well under the number of km done.
The service centre said I could probably get away with it for another service or two but ultimately my choice...

just canvassing for some thoughts on whether I should change now or wait a bit longer.

any replies welcome.

[POW]

I did mine at 4 years, its very confusing if you ask around dealer as each tell you little bit different. I rang VW Australia to clarify, they tell you rubbish. They just said refer to your book or your dealer. So at the end if day, is your choice for peace of mind or leave it til later. I know nothing about car so I did it. And I quote many dealer n mechanic before I end up done by a VW mechanic. Hope it help.

[Tensixty6]

I think you'll find it's 60K or 4 years, whichever comes first.

[djvw]

thanks for the replies, everyone.
I will probably change the cam belt between now and the next service.
$850 is a big hit when rego and insurance are due...

[poyta]

Hi all,

I have a late 2006 Golf 1.9 TDi which has done just under 40,000 km.
Teh service centre mentioned that the cam belt should be changed after 4 years or 80,000 km (cannot remember the exact number).

Jesus! You'd think it was a Ferrari.

If that car has been getting regular use then I wouldn't bother - most belts will last in excess of 100,000kms but if you don't use the cars very often ( like a ferrari for instance ) then they become brittle and crack and eventually break - hence why some manufacturers want them replaced at a specific time rather than mileage - if you've done 40,000kms you're still averaging 8000kms a year which is still pretty regular. If you were only doing 2000km a year and had the car sitting for 6 months without use then I'd be a bit more concerned but it doesn't sound like your car is a garage queen.

[djvw]

Jesus! You'd think it was a Ferrari.

lol


i bought it about 6 months ago with about 30,000 on it, so less than 8,000 km per year. i have added a few since then.

well, it will be another 6 months, at least, before needing the next service so maybe I will wait until then.

thanks for your comments about aging of the belt.

[Umai Naa!!]

It's 105,000klms or 4 years, whichever comes first.

Most seem to do it going off the distance, not the time.

[Jmac]

It's 105,000klms or 4 years, whichever comes first.

Most seem to do it going off the distance, not the time.

This is the correct interval now folks was revised from 120 on the diesels but all now 105 or 4yrs
Jmac

[djvw]

thanks, all.
well, at my rate it will be another 3 years before I need to change it. still, might do it a bit ealier than that.

[Umai Naa!!]

Honestly, you can change it whenever you like, but from a warranty perspective, it's best to do things as per the schedule.

[poyta]

Any potential damage to these engines if the belt breaks?

[Umai Naa!!]

I'm not 100% sure. Never seen it documented anywhere, but as always, suspect the worst.

[jessv3]

Any potential damage to these engines if the belt breaks?

If there is load on the engine at the time (i.e cruising on a freeway) which is highly likely as this when the belt is under most stress. Then you can say goodbye to your engine. It will require a full rebuild which if done through a vw dealer could be anywhere from 5-10k.. hardly worth the risk on saving $850.

[poyta]

If there is load on the engine at the time (i.e cruising on a freeway) which is highly likely as this when the belt is under most stress. Then you can say goodbye to your engine. It will require a full rebuild which if done through a vw dealer could be anywhere from 5-10k.. hardly worth the risk on saving $850.

Yeah but if there's no interfernce between the pistons and valves then there's really no chance of any damage is there? The belt would break, the timing would be all out, the engine would turn off and the most you'll have is a few seconds of driving the pistons without oil flow before you pull over- hardly something that would warrant a full engine rebuild. I woudn't recommend someone not changing the belt at the 100,000km mark but to change it every 4 years is a bit of overkill I think.

[peter]

Pretty sure both the 1.9 and 2.0 TDI engines are interference, as are most engines these days, I believe.

4 years is probably a 99.9% safe interval that is good for the company's reliability reputation (or warranty obligations), not to mention their coffers.

The reality is that 99% of belts are probably still ok after 4 years.
95% after 6 years.
90% after 8.
85% after 9.
75% after 10.

These figures I've used just for illustrations of course, and not from actual statistics.
Also, assuming under 120000kms, of course.

I'd be interested to hear anecdotes of brave souls going beyond 6, 8 years or longer.

Anyone's timing belt survive beyond that to tell the tale?
Or even stories of when they eventually broke to help us learn?

Personally, I don't think I'm game to go beyond 8 years, probably 6 even. But 4 does sound short.

cheers Guys