Volkswagen Passat (1997 - 2000) - 99 1.8 when is cambelt change due?

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Fri 5 Sep 2008 19:16
99 1.8 when is cambelt change due? - bird
help. i have a 99 passat 1.8 20v, when will the cambelt need replacing? have contacted a few local garages and their suggestions are anywhere between 40k -80k, or every four - six years. mine was changed 5 years, 40k ago, can anyine help? also will the front of the car have to come off? and how much should i be looking to pay?

Edited by Pugugly on 05/09/2008 at 19:18

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Fri 5 Sep 2008 19:26
99 1.8 when is cambelt change due? - Screwloose

That makes it easy; VW recommend a change every four years regardless of mileage [which can be up to 120,000 on some engine codes] so it's overdue.

Yes, the front has to come off; costs vary widely.
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Sat 6 Sep 2008 09:29
99 1.8 when is cambelt change due? - bird
thanks, i'd better get it booked in then.
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Fri 5 Sep 2008 19:30
99 1.8 when is cambelt change due? - jimbano
I'm pretty certain on that engine the belt was due at 60k or every 5 yrs. If yours has,nt been changed for 5 yrs then i would be looking to change it sooner rather than later.

The correct way to do the belt on this engine is to remove the whole front end, but i do know that if the front end is partly dismantled and brought forward, there is enough room to do the job. Doing it this way also means that you don't lose the anti-freeze.

Time wise would be about 4-5 hours at whatever labour rate the garage charges.

In addition to a cam belt, it would be wise to change the cam belt tensioner at the same time. You should be able to buy them as a kit.
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Fri 5 Sep 2008 19:33
99 1.8 when is cambelt change due? - jimbano
I'm pretty certain on that engine the belt was due at 60k or every 5

yrs. >>


I stand corrected.. My Apologies
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