cam belts (timing belts) on volkwagen golf 1999

[nikki12]

My cam belt was changed 15 months ago in which during this time I have only done 25,000 miles. I have now encountered a problem with my cam belt which is the result of me having to get a new engine. I was told that the bolt and tension has seized which has caused this problem. I would like to know what the policy is regarding cam belts. Should all the surrounding bits be changed when the cam belt was changed?

[thebhoy]

with vw they recommened that the tensioner is replaced at the same time. THIS SHOULD BE THE CASE WITH ANY CAR well thats wat i think, however ther is usually a guide ass well in the timing area, in some cars vw being 1 of them they dont get replaced but there bad for breaking up and thats maybe wat they mean!!! if you have the reciept have a look n see wat u had bn charged for?if the tensioner "was" replaced then show that to the garage who u went to you usually only get a 12 month warranty with parts however vw mite help you out as a goodwill if your car was serviced by vw.Not sure though but has happened hope that helps

[stanleyman]

I does sound as if the idler bearing has failed which is very unfortunate. The bits should of course always be checked but it was probably ok 25000 miles ago. Probably from your experience it is worth changing the bearing every time, what does the manual recommend?

[BigB]

VW themselves recommend the tensioner and idlers to be replaced at the same time as the belt. The warranty on any tensioner will only cover it for the time specified by the vehicle manufacturer for belt changes

e.g. if VW say the belt should be changed at 50,000 miles or 5 years then the tensioner should also be changed. The belt and tensioner fitted at that time should last another 50,000 miles or 5 years. If not then, unless there is another cause, the part is not fit for its intended purpose which is to last 50,000 miles or 5 years)