Hi all,

Ive been having a search but just thought I'd ask again in case things have changed.

My BLT engined VRS is coming up to 55k and I want to get a new cambelt fitted and a service/MOT in April.

If it was you, which cambelt would you go for and from where?

Is it advisable to change any other parts at the same time?

The car is still totally standard at the moment so want to do the best by it.

Thanks in advance,

Rob

Edited 16 March, 20206 yr by barbusg60

You should replace the belt, idler, tensioner and water pump, I would use genuine parts for preference.

I use a local inde, who always uses genuine VAG parts for this. Bit more expensive, BUT, he tells me he's got a reputation to maintain and he's not going to jeopardise it for cheaper parts.

Edited 16 March, 20206 yr by VWD

Gates kit, and with a 1.9TDi (any tune) change the water pump with the cam belt (it's 15 minutes labour to change the pump when the belt's off anyway, but a new belt kit and 2 to 3 hours to change "just the water pump" which lasts about 1.5 times as long as the belt change interval).

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

I'll pop into the garage who looks after my wifes Galaxy asap.

I usually supply my own oil and filters at service time, is there anywhere to but genuine parts online cheaper than the dealer, or the gates kit?

Cheers,

Rob

Most of the money's in the labour, nicking a few quid on cheap parts is a false economy but if you must cut corners then a pattern water pump and idler is ok, a Gates belt is fine but buy a genuine tensioner, it's critical and I've seen some really dog**** pattern parts. Genuine parts are only available from a VAG dealer.

As Sep says.  Due to financial problems, I've only recently had my belt etc changed. That's second change in 100k( 40k since first)  and a bit more than 4 years. But I had the first done at a main dealer using VAG parts. That was at 60k and eight year old. recent one was at 100k , another seven years on. Both belts had minor cracks with little wear on the tensioner. Second change I used an Indie ,but he recommended that even with OEM parts being a bit dearer ,he preferred to use them . The main reason I'd insist on genuine parts for this is that I've used droplinks from a lot of places and I'm stil trying to get the same life from suppliers as i did on the originals. Cambelt parts is one area where genuine parts is money well spent.

I use INA or GATES both are good brand.

Autodock sell those kits around 100 euros.

Include full set..