57 plate 1.4se timing belt change

[JamesRees05]

Hi, I have recently bought a 57 plate polo 1.4se for my partner. It has 33000 miles on the clock. I have spoke to a few people and they reckon I should get the timing belt, tensioners, and water pump changed due to it being nearly 4 years old. Is this true? Anybody got any views on this? I just find it hard to believe because with previous cars I have hd it changed on 60000/80000 miles!

any feedback would be appreciated

[9N3 Turbo]

Hi James.

I have a GTI and it needs changing every 4 years or every 60,000 miles which ever come first.

Had to do mine and it had only done 30,000 miles.

Always better to be safe than sorry. 

[JamesRees05]

thanks for the reply.

how much did it cost you to have it done? my quotes are ranging from £330-£400 for timing belt, tensioners and water pump. Does that sound about right?

[londonvw]

sadly yes. the biggest disappointment on my car was finding out the cambelt needs changing every 4 years. no doubt loads of these cars will just disappear aged over 8.

[JamesRees05]

do you find road noise is a bit loud at 30mph? anything under or over that is fine

[9N3 Turbo]

Road noise is dependant on tyre choice.

I recently changed from Toyo's to Continental's and it made a massive difference to the road noise

[quinnygti]

you should just get away with just changing the belt, because of the mileage the pullys and water pump should be fine and shouldn't need changing but check them for wear anyway. are you going to do it yourself?

[K.I.T.T.]

If you're changing the belt, do the tensioner at the same time. Whilst you might "get away" with not replacing the tensioner, I wouldn't risk it. Wouldn't cost any extra in labour anyway.

Agree about not bothering with the water pump this time.

Ash

[JamesRees05]

I was going to take it to a garage to do the work, £350 to do belt, tensioners, water pump and brake fluid change that i need doing.

How many miles are people getting out of a full tank on the same model car as mine anyway?

[JamesRees05]

just to let you know, having the timing belt done tomorrow with Halfords Auto centre. £285 for belt, tensioners, water pump and brake fluid change. I am well happy with the price, and they said the timing belt is covered for 4 years once fitted as long as they check on the belt every year!!!!! BARGAIN !!!!!