cam belt change

[golfman2]

just had my first mot today and was told that vw recommend having the cambelt changed every 4 years at a cost of £320, i will have it changed next year when my car will have done about 25,000 miles but does anyone think you need it changed every 4 years?

[Keithuk]

We need details of what engine you have and the year of your Golf?

How about putting that in your signature?

[golfman2]

sorry,i have a 2009 2.0 tdi gt 140 in white

[PhilDon]

I was told 4 years or mileage based - I forget how much but it was at least 40,000 and possibly more
mine will be on about 30,000 when it's 4 years old - an expensive job, but not as expensive as a new engine !

[golfman2]

does any other car need cambelt changes every 4 years??

[zollaf]

yes.

[vc-10]

I'm surprised VW have belts on their diesels, and not chains. It's not like they're quiet enough at tickover for you to hear the chain- even on my (almost silent) 1.2 Polo you can't hear the chain. Does the 1.6 have a chain or a belt?

[Keithuk]

sorry,i have a 2009 2.0 tdi gt 140 in white

I don't have access to Autodata at home anymore but I think its the same as mine 120k with no time limit, I will check tomorrow at work.

I think the 1.6 is a belt I know the 1.4 is a chain.

[vwcabriolet1971]

2010 MY 2.0 TDI Common Rail engine cambelt interval is every 120,00 miles with no time limit specified (Tensioning roller replacement every 240.000 miles !)
My 2010 MY 1.6TDI Manual states cambelt replacement interval is every 200,000 miles or 300,000 Kms without any time limit !
These extended intervals are , to my understanding, due to the introduction of the improved Continental "Conti High Flex Belt".
It would be a brave man to accept these intervals at face value. I would accept these values for very high mileage vehicles with mainly motorway driving but would err on the side of safety for normal motoring use with say an interval every 7 - 8 years at most.

[-M-]

I have found VW timing belt intervals to be a bit dubious tbh - A golf GTi 2.0 tfsi has been quoted as needing a replacement cam/timing belt at 4 yrs yet the same engine in an Audi is every 5 years ????. If you look at the service book it states 1st to be changed at 120,000 miles - I've never seen or heard of VAG sending any updates to owners to update them of the 4/5 year interval addition.

I've personally seen timing belts changed at 4 years on average mileage VAG cars and they look like there's plenty of life left in them - it would seem like a money making scheme by VAG as 6 yrs is the normal interval from my own experience and some are every 10 yrs if the mileage interval is not reached 1st - some services have a additional check item to inspect the belt and report.