Golf 1998 - should I replace cambelt for a second time

[Twentyfour7]

Hi All

I have a VW Golf bought in 1998, 10 years ago, mielage around 60,000 miles, I had the cambelt changed. It's now done 92,000 miles..... I do about 3000 miles a year.

Should I have cambelt changed again?

Is it possible to get an independent inspection done to see if it is needed?

[E-bmw]

If your car has had the same belt on for 10 years it is well overdue changing, no mechanic in their right mind would look at it & put their name to it saying it is OK.

https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/need-help/owners/camb...

Edited by E-bmw on Monday 27th August 14:58

[Old Merc]

Looking at it will achieve nothing,it will just look like an old cam belt. Change it,along with the pulley`s and water pump.

[TooMany2cvs]

Twentyfour7 said:

Should I have cambelt changed again?

Depends if you're happy to lob the car away if/when the belt goes.

No point in inspecting - by the time you're far enough in to get a proper look, you might as well just finish the job.

[Twentyfour7]

Ok will do it's just I've been quoted £500 for the belt

[E-bmw]

A replacement engine would probably cost more including fitting.

[Twentyfour7]

So true... thanks

[steveo3002]

500 sounds a bit rich get some more quotes

[Josho]

What engine?

[Twentyfour7]

1.6 auto

[InitialDave]

Isn't that the old 8v engine that's been around since sometime in the 70s? £500 for a cambelt change? That's obscene, frankly.

If it is that engine, I think it may be a non-interference design, in which case a snapped belt is an irritation rather than mechanically terminal. Worth checking.

[Sardonicus]

Should be around £300 even using genuine parts inc waterpump, find another garage

[Twentyfour7]

I bought the car new in 1998

[GreenV8S]

Twentyfour7 said:

I bought the car new in 1998

If you've had it from new and looked after it, I expect it'd be worth investing more in preventative maintenance just because it's a known good car, even if book price says it's low value and cheaply replaced..

[Mr2Mike]

Twentyfour7 said:

1.6 auto

The belt is a piece of cake to change on the old 1.6 and 2.0 8v engines. It literally takes a couple of hours to DIY it in a driveway, let alone in a fully equipped garage, so someone has given you a very silly quote. Shop around, you should be able to get a much better quote. If you like the car and value peace of mind then get it changed.

[Twentyfour7]

quote was from VW dealer

[Twentyfour7]

Does anyone know how long it takes to change a cam belt , is it likely I will have to leave car for half a day/ full day? The time needed and price will influence where I take it to geographically.

[HustleRussell]

This;

Sardonicus said:

Should be around £300 even using genuine parts inc waterpump, find another garage

& this;

Mr2Mike said:

The belt is a piece of cake to change on the old 1.6 and 2.0 8v engines. It literally takes a couple of hours to DIY it in a driveway, let alone in a fully equipped garage, so someone has given you a very silly quote. Shop around, you should be able to get a much better quote. If you like the car and value peace of mind then get it changed.

[Josho]

Where abouts in London are you?

We’d be £295 with a waterpump and new coolant. Genuine parts too!

[Twentyfour7]

Ok got it Hustle , thanks