Hi. Next July my 2014 gtd will be due a timing belt as the car will be 5 years old. The car should have no more than 37k miles on it by then so would it really need done? What are you guys thoughts on this? I plan on keeping the car for another 7 years so if I changed the belt at 6 years and 45k miles it would mean I would only need 1 belt change in my ownership.
7
Timing belt gtd
- Thread starter kinch
- Start date
Belts can deteriorate with age, irrespective of the mileage covered. If the replacement is scheduled to be done at 5 years, I’d get it changed; better to be proactive than reactive IMO. On previous VW’s I’ve owned with a cam belt, rather than a timing chain, I’ve always had the belt changed at 4 or 5 years (whatever the change interval was for the car in question), even though I only cover 8,000 miles or less per year.
It’ll be cheaper to replace the cam belt than to suffer the consequences of a damaged engine if the belt were to snap. I’d also consider getting the water pump changed at the same time.
It’ll be cheaper to replace the cam belt than to suffer the consequences of a damaged engine if the belt were to snap. I’d also consider getting the water pump changed at the same time.
IWMTom
Autocross Newbie
- Location
- North East England
Change it.
I'm in the same position, and I wouldn't think twice about changing it; the last thing you want is the belt to snap and you need a new motor.
Mike.B
New member
- Location
- Gainsborough, UK
I don't know your circumstances but if it were me and I could afford it I'd change it.
pcr
Ready to race!
- Location
- Shropshire
What is the bigger risk, letting an unknown mechanic change the belt on a low mileage car, or taking a chance and not change it. Remember, this car was advertised as having a long-life timing belt that will last as long as the car.
I use a non-VW mechanic who inspects the belt at each service who says the belts are good for 10 years.
I use a non-VW mechanic who inspects the belt at each service who says the belts are good for 10 years.
IWMTom
Autocross Newbie
- Location
- North East England
pcr
Ready to race!
- Location
- Shropshire
It's VW UK saying 5 years, I have heard that in German VW manuals the mileage is much greater with no time limit, I am very sceptical about the whole situation. They told me it's advisable to change the water pump at the same time, but I believe it's at the other end of the engine.
IWMTom
Autocross Newbie
- Location
- North East England
IWMTom
Autocross Newbie
- Location
- North East England
Well that's gone up.. fuck.. mines due next month too.
Last I looked it was £100 cheaper!
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing/fixed-price-servicing £549. I'll probably get mine done at my independent garage. My mk5 gt tdi cambelt, waterpump and aux belt changes using genuine vw parts were about £480. It will probably be about £500 now. At least my current car is £125 a year cheaper to tax so that pays for it.
What's the mileage and your car? I'm on 35500 now.
IWMTom
Autocross Newbie
- Location
- North East England
Coming up 60,000 - well under the 120k mileage limit but dangerously close to the 5 year limit.
I got prices for this today for my gtd. So parts only timing belt kit, waterpump, and aux belt £298.42 then there's coolant that I didn't get a price for but probably £15. Parts plus fitting at vw including the aux belt is £572.58 and my local independent using the same vw parts is £564. I will go with my local as I have used them for 18 years and have had 3 belt changes on other cars done there.