Cambelt change on MkIV GTi Turbo

[Rob.]

Has anyone any experience on having the cambelt changed on a MkIV Golf GTi 1.8T (180 brake)? The car in question is an `03 plate and has done 36k miles. VW state in the manual it should be changed at 56k but I`m interested to know if this is a sensible guide on these engines or not?

Thanks in advance.

Edited by Rob. on Wednesday 11th March 12:08

[chimtvr]

i change them all the time whats your question do you want to leave it longer? or are you worried and want to change it earlier?

[Rob.]

Thinking about earlier to be honest (it`s the girlfriend`s car in fact) - unless of course they`re not prone to going early and 54k is a sensible guide. Just because the manufacturer say`s it is does`nt mean it`s accurate in the real world.

Edited by Rob. on Wednesday 11th March 12:07

[chimtvr]

im pretty sure its 60,000 or 6 years whichever comes soonest but ill check when i get to work tomorrow
so it would be due this year on time

[Rob.]

I`d be grateful if you could - the manual makes no mention of the time element, only mileage which is what has made her wonder.

[markie2]

Rob its 60k or Four years for a cambelt change - I'd get the waterpump done at the same time as the original has plastic impellers which have a nasty habit of breaking up!

[7ommy]

I thought it was changed to 4 yrs or 40 k miles on the petrol's it was only the later diesels which had the 60k interval

[The Walrus]

I think it is 5/6 years or 60,000 miles it used to be 80,000 miles but they changed it due to some failures, as has been said I would get it changed if the belt looks worn or is showing signs of cracks in the belt, also as has been said change the water pump at the same time it is a very cheap part but requires the same amount of work as the cam belt when it goes wrong which it most likely will.

HTH.