Cambelt due for changing, but low mileage

[ChoonDoode]

Evening all,

 

As the title suggests, my car is nearly 5 years and based on the maintenance schedule, it'll need a cambelt change. But with a bit of time not driving often due to poor health before lockdown, then lockdown and the change to working predominantly from home now, my car has got just over 20k on the clock.

 

If I had a crystal ball, I wouldn't have got a diesel, but I've paid off the car and I'm not in a position to change to a petrol.

 

Anyway, I'm sure there are possibly a number of people in a similar situation to me not driving a lot currently, but it is still advisable to get the cambelt done now and on time as opposed to waiting a bit until there's more mileage on the car?

 

I obviously understand a cambelt and waterpump replacement is a hell of a lot cheaper than having the engine rebuilt after the pistons and cams have gone snap, crackle and pop.

 

Your thoughts

 

TIA

[Nickj633]

I would say change the cam belt and the water pump. Mileage is not the only factor, all parts deteriorate over time even with low mileage.

[maximusvrs]

Mine was about 10,000 short but 5 years when I bought it so got the cambelt and water pump done, I would get it changed as I imagine age comes into a factor with the belt. But personally I probably wouldn’t worry if it goes a few months over the 5 years either

[Swirly182]

At the moment you're guessing, so obtain some information before making a decision. Have a good look and feel at it. Use a decent torch, take photos to compare or share on here. If it looks degraded - cracking, delamination etc. I would personally be changing it. 

 

If it is in good condition, it may be enough to give you confidence to push it out 6 to 12 months or 5k to 10k miles?? It's still a risk though! 

Edited 8 April, 2021 by Swirly182

[paulski]

Very difficult one to decide but if I was you I would change it at the 5 year interval for peace of mind. Those components have not really been used to their normal miles for the 5 year interval so could have degraded. My indy says the belts are usually ok when they change them, but its the tensioners that often are wearing out/fail and they are what keeps the belt tight an prevent slip/engine damage. 

 

There will be other comments to come along for sure but just my 2pence worth as you asked.  

 

I got mine done for £430 all in with genuine VAG parts. 

 

[ChoonDoode]

I think the general consensus is replacing it isn't it?

 

I was looking I got the car in May 2016, but the way things ran with lockdown and whatnot, it's next service is scheduled for October this year. Can't see 6 months being too much of an issue.

 

I'll attempt to get some pictures of it tomorrow. I have had a look at it already and I can't say it feels lack or looks wrong. However, I've not one in disrepair to compare it to though. 

Edited 8 April, 2021 by tunedude

[flybynite]

15 hours ago, tunedude said:

Your thoughts

 

Cambelts deteriorate with both time and use, Rubber products fare just as badly with no use (like tyres)

 

Cambelts have a date stamp on them for a reason, either a date or date code that can be looked up. I check the date on every 'new' cambelt I fit, refused a few at the counter over the years. 

 

If the schedule says change it - change it.

 

There are a few engines that fail-safe with a cam belt failure, I don't know any modern VAG engines that are, generally a big mess when they go. Cheaper and less bother to change it.

[dervdave]

Just changed mine at only 12k 

[KenONeill]

Well, a cambelt (and waterpump if that's driven off the cambelt) change costs hundreds of pounds: A new engine costs thousands, but it's your money.

[J.R.]

If you are religious and studious in your belt inspections you will see signs of degradation well before failure, I have even gone on a couple of years after first noting them before it was prudent to change the belt.

 

My MK1 Octavia did 350000 miles with one belt change at 225000 miles, belt only, not pulleys, nor tensioner or water pump.

 

The belt drive on the PD engine takes more of a hammering and I was more cautious with that although it having been changed at some time in the past I never needed to.

[ChoonDoode]

I think to try and stretch the time of the belt being on the car will be foolish.

 

It's due for changing in May, so I'll get it changed then.

 

I didn't wish to approach the stealership with this question because I understand they'll take anyone's money

[stevo1]

I'm in the same boat ! need to get it done this summer, mine is a petrol.

[peter3197]

3 hours ago, stevo1 said:

I'm in the same boat ! need to get it done this summer, mine is a petrol.

Worth looking at this:-

robs12

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Posted 23 March (edited)

When the engine was introduced, VW made lots of noise about the belt lasting for the life of the engine - it did not have a replacement interval and the VW blurb said maintenance free - see page 13 of the VAG Service Training manual here:

https://procarmanuals.com/vag-ssp-511-new-ea211-petrol-engine-family/

 

VW blurb here, about half way down about toothed belt:

 

https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/the-new-golf-das-auto-international-driving-presentation-2797/the-new-golf-powertrain-structure-engines-and-gearboxes-2835

 

Inspection was at ~160k miles, then again every ~20K, change only if needed.

 

But Skoda UK suggest change it every 5 years/50K miles:

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/8b70c541-726b-4996-9999-66ebc7ca520b

 

Take your pick....

Edited 23 March by robs12

[stevo1]

14 hours ago, peter3197 said:

Worth looking at this:-

robs12

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Posted 23 March (edited)

When the engine was introduced, VW made lots of noise about the belt lasting for the life of the engine - it did not have a replacement interval and the VW blurb said maintenance free - see page 13 of the VAG Service Training manual here:

https://procarmanuals.com/vag-ssp-511-new-ea211-petrol-engine-family/

 

VW blurb here, about half way down about toothed belt:

 

https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/the-new-golf-das-auto-international-driving-presentation-2797/the-new-golf-powertrain-structure-engines-and-gearboxes-2835

 

Inspection was at ~160k miles, then again every ~20K, change only if needed.

 

But Skoda UK suggest change it every 5 years/50K miles:

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/8b70c541-726b-4996-9999-66ebc7ca520b

 

Take your pick....

Edited 23 March by robs12

Interesting reading 👍

[seriesdriver]

16 hours ago, peter3197 said:

Worth looking at this:-

robs12

• Finding my Feet
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Posted 23 March (edited)

When the engine was introduced, VW made lots of noise about the belt lasting for the life of the engine - it did not have a replacement interval and the VW blurb said maintenance free - see page 13 of the VAG Service Training manual here:

https://procarmanuals.com/vag-ssp-511-new-ea211-petrol-engine-family/

 

VW blurb here, about half way down about toothed belt:

 

https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/the-new-golf-das-auto-international-driving-presentation-2797/the-new-golf-powertrain-structure-engines-and-gearboxes-2835

 

Inspection was at ~160k miles, then again every ~20K, change only if needed.

 

But Skoda UK suggest change it every 5 years/50K miles:

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/8b70c541-726b-4996-9999-66ebc7ca520b

 

Take your pick....

Edited 23 March by robs12

I have never been sure how you can properly inspect a cam belt without removing it. and if you are going to pay the labour to remove it you may as well replace it anyway. I asked to keep the belt after ours was changed and while the outer part of the belt that isn't in contact with anything looked perfect all of the teeth showed signs of wear. Your cambelt and tensioner may go on for years but it may not. The workshop I use make you sign a waiver if you take car in for mot and the belt hasnt been changed to spec and it should snap.  

[Ecomatt]

 

More than just the belt that needs changing. I would always change it along with all the pulleys, tensioners and water pump. The belt m3igjt last another 60,000 miles but if a tensioner goes it is bye bye engine. Most decent indy garages will do it for under £400 using genuine parts. But mainly for peace of mind and also future saleability of the cars value.

[ChoonDoode]

17 minutes ago, Ecomatt said:

 

More than just the belt that needs changing. I would always change it along with all the pulleys, tensioners and water pump. The belt m3igjt last another 60,000 miles but if a tensioner goes it is bye bye engine. Most decent indy garages will do it for under £400 using genuine parts. But mainly for peace of mind and also future saleability of the cars value.

 

The stealership sent an email out the other day (hence me asking the above question) and a belt and pump change is quoted at £549.

 

I may be able to find an independent garage in my area who'll do it a bit cheaper, but for the sake of a few quid I'd rather have it done by Skoda themselves

[seriesdriver]

24 minutes ago, tunedude said:

 

The stealership sent an email out the other day (hence me asking the above question) and a belt and pump change is quoted at £549.

 

I may be able to find an independent garage in my area who'll do it a bit cheaper, but for the sake of a few quid I'd rather have it done by Skoda themselves

An advantage of getting a dealer to do it is the 2 year parts and labour warranty you would get, Looking on the skoda website their fixed price cambelt and water pump have gone up in price since I had ours last done. My dealer matched the Seat price last time as it was 70 odd quid less than skoda at the time I see now the price difference is a quid. 

[Ecomatt]

57 minutes ago, tunedude said:

 

The stealership sent an email out the other day (hence me asking the above question) and a belt and pump change is quoted at £549.

 

I may be able to find an independent garage in my area who'll do it a bit cheaper, but for the sake of a few quid I'd rather have it done by Skoda themselves

I had mine done at Volks Service in blackpool who are a VAG specialist. Charged me (from memory) either £360 or £370 for the work and used genuine parts. You do get two years parts warranty from Skoda but it doesnt cover the labour charge. For me that would be nearly  £170 saving at that price. 

[PetrolDave]

20 hours ago, Ecomatt said:

 

More than just the belt that needs changing. I would always change it along with all the pulleys, tensioners and water pump. 

Agreed on a 2.0TSI but on the 1.4 & 1.5 TSI the water pump is on the other end of the engine and not driven by the cambelt.

[cheezemonkhai]

The 5 years seems to be a vW Uk thing speaking to colleagues in other EU countries with vw group cars.

Who knows why, maybe in the other countries a service includes a proper inspection.

 

If you do do it make sure you do the water pump and the tensioner/pulleys at the same time. On mine the belt was fine but a pulley was causing noises, so I did the lot.

 

[Ecomatt]

3 hours ago, PetrolDave said:

Agreed on a 2.0TSI but on the 1.4 & 1.5 TSI the water pump is on the other end of the engine and not driven by the cambelt.

It is but still worth changing after 5 years. Usually you can get it done cheaper when booked in with other work.

[peter3197]

23 minutes ago, Ecomatt said:

It is but still worth changing after 5 years. Usually you can get it done cheaper when booked in with other work.

I'm all for changing the water pump on a diesel due to the extra cost of dismantling if it packs up but cannot see the point on a 1.2 or 1.4 tsi petrol. Are VW group water pumps really that bad?

[seriesdriver]

2 hours ago, peter3197 said:

I'm all for changing the water pump on a diesel due to the extra cost of dismantling if it packs up but cannot see the point on a 1.2 or 1.4 tsi petrol. Are VW group water pumps really that bad?

I believe there was a time years ago when the diesel tdi waterpumps had a plastic impeller which had a habit of not staying connected to the pump shaft this habit was stopped when the pumps were given metal impellers.

[PetrolDave]

6 hours ago, PetrolDave said:

Agreed on a 2.0TSI but on the 1.4 & 1.5 TSI the water pump is on the other end of the engine and not driven by the cambelt.

 

3 hours ago, Ecomatt said:

It is but still worth changing after 5 years. Usually you can get it done cheaper when booked in with other work.

I can only recall seeing one member on here with a 1.4TSI having reported a water pump failure - there is no comparison with the water pump failure rate on the 2.0, and since the water pump is on the opposite end of the engine replacing it is a much simpler/cheaper/quicker job.

 

I'm all for preventative maintenance (which is why I had the cambelt on our 1.4TSI replaced last year when it was 5 years old) but since the failure rate of water pumps on the 1.4TSI is so low the expense of preventative replacement seems out of proportion to the risks to me.