Cam Belt (Audi Q5)
Discussion
Fairynuff said:
Audi Q5, 2015, 23k miles.
Do I really need the cam belt changing after just 23k?
Presumably you believe that the rubber in the cambelt doesn't degrade and wont possibly fail taking out the engine.Do I really need the cam belt changing after just 23k?
For what £350ish you want to risk the engine in your £20K car?
Up to you I suppose
If you're the sort to leave it, at least have a look at the condition of the belt all the way round to see what it looks like. If you aren't the sort to do this, you might as well just get a garage to replace it espeically if you will end up keeping the car long term.
Looking at my friends cambelt would have definitely saved him from engine failure. Instead I've ended up with the car for parts. It could go back on the road if I replace the rockers, but what am I going to do with 3 running cars. The parts in reserve have paid off already.
You'll need to look up what a new and old belt looks like, where to find cracks etc though because it can be hard to spot otherwise.
EDIT: If it's a £20k car, just get it changed at the interval and don't bother doing what I suggested. I'm used to buckets and sheds.
Looking at my friends cambelt would have definitely saved him from engine failure. Instead I've ended up with the car for parts. It could go back on the road if I replace the rockers, but what am I going to do with 3 running cars. The parts in reserve have paid off already.
You'll need to look up what a new and old belt looks like, where to find cracks etc though because it can be hard to spot otherwise.
EDIT: If it's a £20k car, just get it changed at the interval and don't bother doing what I suggested. I'm used to buckets and sheds.
Edited by bluezedd on Thursday 26th March 15:10
I certainly wouldn’t even think it over, it’s a no brainier to change the belt imo. The other aspect is when you come to sell the car on, looking at the service record I would ask as a prospective buyer
‘when did you last change the timing belt’? Answer it’s out of date makes me wonder what else has been skimped on.
‘when did you last change the timing belt’? Answer it’s out of date makes me wonder what else has been skimped on.
S1KRR said:
Fairynuff said:
Audi Q5, 2015, 23k miles.
Do I really need the cam belt changing after just 23k?
Presumably you believe that the rubber in the cambelt doesn't degrade and wont possibly fail taking out the engine.Do I really need the cam belt changing after just 23k?
For what £350ish you want to risk the engine in your £20K car?
Up to you I suppose
crankedup said:
I certainly wouldn’t even think it over, it’s a no brainier to change the belt imo. The other aspect is when you come to sell the car on, looking at the service record I would ask as a prospective buyer
‘when did you last change the timing belt’? Answer it’s out of date makes me wonder what else has been skimped on.
Yup I completely agree. Once I realised the value of the car, I had to edit my post to say just to change it.‘when did you last change the timing belt’? Answer it’s out of date makes me wonder what else has been skimped on.
MDMA . said:
S1KRR said:
Fairynuff said:
Audi Q5, 2015, 23k miles.
Do I really need the cam belt changing after just 23k?
Presumably you believe that the rubber in the cambelt doesn't degrade and wont possibly fail taking out the engine.Do I really need the cam belt changing after just 23k?
For what £350ish you want to risk the engine in your £20K car?
Up to you I suppose
MDMA . said:
On the flip side, MrsMDMA says it's all a con by the manufacturers. Her 2005 VW Golf (bought brand new) is still on the original belt. 15 years old now, no problems. Inspected every year by the same garage that services/MOT's it and no wear to it.
There's always an outlier, doesn't mean it's not useful for the rest.Hope the Golf has a non interference setup.
MDMA . said:
On the flip side, MrsMDMA says it's all a con by the manufacturers. Her 2005 VW Golf (bought brand new) is still on the original belt. 15 years old now, no problems. Inspected every year by the same garage that services/MOT's it and no wear to it.
What sort of mechanic will sign off a cam belt for a 15th year based on a visual inspection?I have a general theory on cambelts...
If it’s attached to a car you like or is expensive to you, then it’ll fail catastrophically shortly after the manufacturer recommended you have it changed.
If it’s attached to a shed that owes you nothing and you’ve already decided the next eventual buyer is the scrap man, then it’ll last pretty much forever.
If it’s attached to a car you like or is expensive to you, then it’ll fail catastrophically shortly after the manufacturer recommended you have it changed.
If it’s attached to a shed that owes you nothing and you’ve already decided the next eventual buyer is the scrap man, then it’ll last pretty much forever.
HustleRussell said:
MDMA . said:
On the flip side, MrsMDMA says it's all a con by the manufacturers. Her 2005 VW Golf (bought brand new) is still on the original belt. 15 years old now, no problems. Inspected every year by the same garage that services/MOT's it and no wear to it.
What sort of mechanic will sign off a cam belt for a 15th year based on a visual inspection?Twig62 said:
HustleRussell said:
MDMA . said:
On the flip side, MrsMDMA says it's all a con by the manufacturers. Her 2005 VW Golf (bought brand new) is still on the original belt. 15 years old now, no problems. Inspected every year by the same garage that services/MOT's it and no wear to it.
What sort of mechanic will sign off a cam belt for a 15th year based on a visual inspection?HustleRussell said:
MDMA . said:
On the flip side, MrsMDMA says it's all a con by the manufacturers. Her 2005 VW Golf (bought brand new) is still on the original belt. 15 years old now, no problems. Inspected every year by the same garage that services/MOT's it and no wear to it.
What sort of mechanic will sign off a cam belt for a 15th year based on a visual inspection?Sheepshanks said:
Got this coming up shortly on wife’s Tiguan - car will be just under 30,000 miles.
It’s got the latest EA288 engine and a big thing was made at this engine’s release that the belt is ‘lifetime’ - yet VW UK is adamant it must be changed at 5yrs.
Well of course they are!!It’s got the latest EA288 engine and a big thing was made at this engine’s release that the belt is ‘lifetime’ - yet VW UK is adamant it must be changed at 5yrs.
It would be interesting for somebody to research the servicing policy across 6 or 7 global markets.
If it’s the same belt but different importers have different scheduling, then I think we can safely assume it’s a racket.
Visual inspection of the belt is pointless.
It's usually one of the guides or tensioner that gives up and then throws/breaks the belt as the engine eats its self.
Or a favourite vw one is waterpump seizing & stripping the teeth off the belt.
Any sheds i have its cambelt roulette. Anything I can't afford to outright replace with a month's wages. I Replace the belt as soon as I purchase the car
It's usually one of the guides or tensioner that gives up and then throws/breaks the belt as the engine eats its self.
Or a favourite vw one is waterpump seizing & stripping the teeth off the belt.
Any sheds i have its cambelt roulette. Anything I can't afford to outright replace with a month's wages. I Replace the belt as soon as I purchase the car
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