Cambelt Advice

[Biker]

In my opinion the water pump should be changed as the old one can fail at any time after a new [tighter] cam belt is fitted.Its up to uou if you want to take a chance but I know what I would do.

Why would a new belt be tighter? The tensioner should make sure the tension on the cam belt is constant!

 

[ALAN H]

Its not the new belt being tighter,more the old one being looser.No issue here though as its the chain.lol

 

[Biker]

Its not the new belt being tighter,more the old one being looser.

OK, so I will rephrase the question. Why would an old belt be looser? The tensioner should make sure the tension on the cam belt is constant!

 

[ALAN H]

Tensioners are renowned for 'giving' with age as any mechy with experience changing the belt and tensioner will tell you and belt becomes naturally slacker with age,allbeit minimally.
I have changed loads and many of the tensioners have been on their last legs.

 

[5509433]

I received an email the other day telling me my cam belt is due for a change. 1.4 16v Sport. What sort of price should I be looking to pay? And would it be worth me buying my own to take to a garage to fit?

 

[norm1943]

My altea is coming up for 4 years old....with only 27000 on the clock....is it absolutely necessary to change the cam belt at 4 years old when car will have such low mileage, bearing in mind the build quality of caars in the VW group

 

[jaybro187]

My altea is coming up for 4 years old....with only 27000 on the clock....is it absolutely necessary to change the cam belt at 4 years old when car will have such low mileage, bearing in mind the build quality of caars in the VW group

mines is a 10 plate 1.4 sport and only 22k on it do about 7k a yr, i dont want to have problems but same question when does this really need doing

 

[ALAN H]

My honest advice would be to change the cam belt and tensioner at 4 years old as the issue here is the degradation of the rubber cam belt and can you afford to take a chance on that.
Dont forget it does not have to be done by the stealers,any vat registered garage can do it,just stipulate the need for genuine parts.
Will also pay to have the water pump changed too as this can easily give up the ghost and before the next cb change.
Will cost some really serious pound notes if it goes.
Forget the mileage if belts done 4 years.IMHO.