VW Touran Cambelt changes

[David Carburetor]

Hello Newbie to the site, other than the normal comments of i must have given up on life etc. I have just bought a VW Touran 05 49000 miles on the clock. The VW book says Cambelt change at 80,000 miles or 4 years. Do you think i have a few months before i can get it done or should i book it in for next week?

[AdrianR]

As I've said before, all depends on your attitude to risk. Personally I think it'll be fine for years yet as VW engineering is generally good and the service intervals are probably over cautious, but they do break and no-one knows why and if it does it will seriously damage your engine.

Phone round a few places and get quotes while you are still in the take-it-or-leave it phase, prices vary a lot and special offers do crop up when business is slow so if you can get it done at a reasonable (< £300) price then worth it for the peace of mind.

AdrianR

[Targarama]

I guess it depends on the engine type and what VAG/specialists recommend. I have no idea if the newer engine designs are better or worse but for the sake of £300 I'd get it done sooner than later. Our 2.0T Golf GTi will get its belt changed after 5 years, even though the mileage will only be 35-50k by then (I think our manual states 5 years - need to check).

The 1.8Ts from 1997-2004ish had cambelts which tended to fail before VAGs recommended replacement. The same basic engine went in lots of VAG cars and the different manuals recommended changed the cambelt at various mileage/times - ranging from 60k to 110k (IIRC). The wise ensured they changed the belt around 60k and changed the water pump at the same time (plastic blades).

[David Carburetor]

Thanks for that, I feel a little more settled now, will get the car booked in in the next few weeks and have peace of mind that it isnt to likely to explode on my way home from the garage. Thankyou.

[Iain328]

Targarama said:

I guess it depends on the engine type and what VAG/specialists recommend. I have no idea if the newer engine designs are better or worse but for the sake of £300 I'd get it done sooner than later. Our 2.0T Golf GTi will get its belt changed after 5 years, even though the mileage will only be 35-50k by then (I think our manual states 5 years - need to check).

The 1.8Ts from 1997-2004ish had cambelts which tended to fail before VAGs recommended replacement. The same basic engine went in lots of VAG cars and the different manuals recommended changed the cambelt at various mileage/times - ranging from 60k to 110k (IIRC). The wise ensured they changed the belt around 60k and changed the water pump at the same time (plastic blades).

Lots of VAG engines have a history of cambelt problems (including some diesels) - usually with the tensioners. Which is why VAG shortened the change interval to a blanket 4 years on everything.

The OP should be OK , but frankly I would get it done sooner rather than later and sleep easy.