I just had my cambelt replaced, and noticed when taking a look under the bonnet that there seems to be a nick in the coating of the belt.

Is this just superficial damage to the outside of the belt, or is the belt itself knackered?

Hopefully you should be able to get what I mean from the pics, though the flash seemed to get in the way!

Cheers!

is it worth taking the risk either way?

Not sure, that's whay I am asking, should I take it back?

I would. If the belt goes it can cause a whole world of pain :eek:, and that looks like a compromised belt to me.

Take it back and ask for a guarantee from the garage that they'll pay for all damage if the belt breaks within the VAG specified time/mileage for cambelt replacement.

Alternatively, a replacement belt please. Good luck

I might be being daft here but that doesn't look like a cambelt to me. Is that not the alternator belt?

iep

I think you're right

Nope - no daftness there!

That certainly looks like an Aux belt rather than the cambelt. (The object in question looks like an A/C compressor)

That plus it looks like the teeth run the length of the belt rather than across is from side to side as per a cambelt.

Just to confirm is that hidden below the plastic cover on the side of the engine or not?

FWIW that belt is going to fail as it's started to go, so on that basis I'd replace it anyway.

The part number on the V-belt kind of gives it away.

Gold star to you. As you may realise, I know nothing about cars. After speaking to the mechanic I now know that is the alternator belt. I feel a little stupid, but hey. You live, you learn.

Gold star to you. As you may realise, I know nothing about cars. After speaking to the mechanic I now know that is the alternator belt. I feel a little stupid, but hey. You live, you learn.

The only stupid questions. are the ones you don't ask.

Make sure the pullies are clean,that looks like it could have had a stone flicked up into the belt.