Cam-belt change

[ikickass]

Hi there.

After much looking about all around the midlands I've finally got myself a '51 plate Leon 90bhp TDi. It has just 25k on the clock, one owner, Full Seat Service History etc etc and needless to say I'm dead chuffed!

I have one question though. It may be answered in the book but as my car isn't delivered for a couple of weeks I thought I'd try the forum here (which I relied upon as an anonymous to guide me in my search). I genuinely forgot to look in the book when on the test drive (other than to check the service history).

How often does the cam-belt need changing? I'm sure most of you will point to other threads stating that it's at the 60k service but is there also an age limit for the original. For example, in my previous car (a god-awful [but lovable] Rover 200) it was every 60k or six years (whichever comes first).

When I asked the dealer they said that the item was 'non perishable' so it would only need doing once it reached its 60k service. Is this correct?

Obviously a cembelt change is an expensive job so I would be grateful if you could let me know what the book says before I hand over my hard earned cash.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TornadoRed]

... is there also an age limit for the original. For example, in my previous car (a god-awful [but lovable] Rover 200) it was every 60k or six years (whichever comes first).

When I asked the dealer they said that the item was 'non perishable' so it would only need doing once it reached its 60k service. Is this correct?

I can't remember where I read it, but I saw a post the other day about someone with a 2000 model year Jetta (Bora), with a timing belt (cam belt) rated for 105k miles. His belt broke at about 80k miles, and he was wondering how he could get VW to pay for a valve job, because it failed at less than 105k miles. Somebody else pointed out that 6 years is pretty much the limit for every timing belt from every manufacturer.

Some may last longer, but it's not a sure thing.

 

[ikickass]

Thanks. I asked the dealer in the end. He said it's five years or 60k. I thought it wise to get it done so asked the dealer for a discount. They're fitting a new cambelt, tensioner etc and new water pump for £275inc VAT & labour which seems reasonable (parts would prob be the best part of £200). At least that way I haven't got it worrying away in the back of my mind.

Thanks for your help