Belt change or not?

[ianmt]

Hi Guys,

After reading the previous thread on "servicing", its got me thinking as to whether I should get my cambelt changed?
Heres the specs:-
Its a 2006 Polo 1.4 Sport and has just done only 14k.
I bought the car in Feb this year and had a Inspection service and Lube service.
Last month it had the brake service.

I understand that the cambelt needs to be done either 60k or 4yrs but...
In the inspection service items i'm sure they check the belts and the car has done so little mileage.

Would this be ok to leave it?


Thanks in advance.

[RUM4MO]

I took the view that its better to spend £260 (or so) on what is meant to be preventative maintenance than risk it and get stung for a lot more money to rebuild a busted engine. In my case I got the belt changed at just under 5 years and about 40,000 miles and all the parts that came out looked in good condition - but I would not take that as being a good excuse to leave it another year, I was just happy that I'd got it done in time! Its also a good idea to change the waterpump and auxiliary drive belt along with an extra small roller if its not a TDI engine (as their kit includes that roller). Remember low mileage might not mean fewer "stressfull" events - like cold starts and acceleration/decelleration than a 40,000 miler!

[ianmt]

It hits 4 yrs old around the next few months so I guess I should get it sorted before winter then



Cheers for the advice!

[blazeguarder]

I agree with RUM4MO.
There's probably a very good reason why VW have set the limit of 60k miles/4 years for a cambelt change. You don't want to run the risk (however small) of the engine tearing itself apart while you're on the motorway or something. Also, you won't have a leg to stand on with VW if it breaks when you should have had it replaced, and you'll be left with a wrecked engine.

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, got mine changed at 4 and a half years and 23,000 miles. Easier to get it done and then forget about it.

[ianmt]

Cool. Thanks guys. Going to save up the £300 over the next 3 month and book it in. Is bang on £299 here at Sinclair VW, which has a 2yr warranty.

http://www.sinclairvolkswagen.co.uk/Ser ... rices.html

[K.I.T.T.]

It's 60k for obvious reasons (wear), but just the belt being exposed to the elements (somewhat) can cause it to fatigue, hence the "or 4 years". A bit like when a rubber band's been left for ages, it goes hard and breaks if you try to stretch it. Better safe than sorry...it's an interference engine, so a snapped belt can cause bent/broken valves, broken pistons, bent/broken conrods and foobared injectors. A full engine rebuild is a lot more than ~£400.

My first cambelt change was when I got my car (53 plate) back in '07 and the car had only done 23k. I'll be replacing it again next year and my car's not even on 40k yet!

Ash

[ianmt]

Cheers Ash.

Think I'd best do it this year then. Car was registered 28 April 2006. You guys reckon it will be ok till October as I have to save up for the big £300?

[blazeguarder]

Don't worry mate, I'm sure it will be fine till October.

Got mine changed after 4 and a half years as well.

[ianmt]

Thanks mate.

Although its a life threatening job for the car I just wanted to make sure it would hold out till then. The car is being resprayed as we speak so the thought of forking out 300quid is a bit tough at the mo (aka "project front bumper tidy-up") Guess the springs may have to wait till xmas