Leading on from my earlier post about a starting noise on a W Reg VW TDI engine, I've been scanning thru a couple of TDI sites and seen that changing the timing belts on these TDI engines is a job for a specialist only, as special tools and VAG COM stuff is involved.
Am I right in assuming a belt change on a VW TDI is beyond the capabilities of a really proficient general mechanic working at my home because of the specialist equipment needed or are the posters on these other sites being a bit overcautious on the subject??
Again, any advice gratefully received......
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If they're the same as the later (Caddy) 1.9 engines, they are a bit of a fiddle to change. No timing pointers and not much room to work in. Can be done though !
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It seems to require some care and perhaps you'd be better with someone with regular experience of the TDI, as you want it right first time! Independent VW specialist?
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Many garages now won't take on cambelt replacements for fear of them breaking again in the future, and then having to fork out for the damage. It's not worth the hassle to them.
I went to a bloke with a Mondeo which had a broken cambelt only four days after a complete kit was replaced as a preventive measure. The engine was very clean and it was obvious that the technician had done a very good job. So why did it break after only four days? Everyone was mystified.
I wouldn't touch one now for that very reason. My advice is go to the main dealer. You may pay more, but you will have piece of mind.
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My brother has had cambelts fitted by "The Cambelt King" who are to be found in Rayleigh, Essex.
He informs me that they actually offer an insurance-backed warranty for all cambelt replacements, which to me, seems quite a good idea. You have to return every 6 months for a very quick check to keep the warranty current, both the subsequent checks and the warranty itself being included in the original price, so there are no extras to pay, unless something like an oil leak should be found during a check.
The only disadvantage that I can see is the warranty only lasts for a couple of years or 30,000 miles. Mind you, some cambelts apparently only last that long, anyway!
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Thanks for the replies everyone.
Every car of worth I've had I've always made a point of taking it to a main dealer or indy specialist (for that make) for a cam belt and always as soon as car was bought irrespective of history.
Unfortunately, I've been slightly forced into having this done by a mechanic on my drive due to circumstances (nothing to with saving £££ btw) and with the car now stripped down awaiting parts, it ain't half gonna make me feel unconfortable telling him to go midway through the job. Hence me posting here looking for some reassurance.
So far, I'm not feeling comfortable!!
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Hi Matstro,
Out of interest, why were you 'forced' into doing the job this way?
One thing to beware of is that unless you take the dissassmbled car/engine to one who knows these inside out, they are going to have quite a jigsaw puzzle to put back together. Among the jobs which are most likely to be troublesome are those begun by one mechanic, and finished by another.
Having said this, providing the belt goes back over the same teeth, and everything is tensioned correctly, and properly reassembled, you will be up and running again.
The thing to consider then is how to check out the work which has been done.
number_cruncher
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Hi NC
The car needed a major service and also the alternator pulley had siezed and needed replacing (its a freewheel one) I don't rate this sort of work as tricky and not wanting to waste £££ on a garage, we had a guy out who is an experienced, compentent general mechanic, done work for us before, done my stepsons cam belt on a clio etc etc. to do it on our driveway.
On starting the work he said he'd take the cam belt cover off to look at the belt cos there was a squeaking from this area on start up and when cold. Before I could say anything, he'd had the belt off, told me it was knackered (it was) and took the idlers off saying they were worn too (they seemed to be) I wasn't too bothered about all this till I read on a US forum about this belt change being very tricky and don't let any other than a specialist do it cos of special tools and VAG COM which this guy doesn't appear to have. He's marked up the sprockets etc so presumably will carefully put back new belt in the same position. I'm hoping this will be ok.
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At least he's looked at the tensioner (which is what I think you mean by idlers) as they are well worth replacing at the same time. Hopefully he is as methodical as he seems! Sorry to be a Jobs comforter earlier! Wife has just made the same remark about something else - back to the hypno-therapist with a new tale!
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