Mk4 Golf 1.4 Timing Belt

PrettyBoy

I've heard conflicting views on this topic - some people say the timing belt should be done at 100,000 miles but others say it can be done at any stage from 50,000 miles on. Looked through the service history and at 57,000 miles the car was serviced and had "2 new T-belts fitted" (I'm assuming "T-belt" means Timing belt?).

The car now has 90,000 miles. It's booked in for a service next week and now I'm wondering should I be thinking about getting the timing belt looked at or is there no need?

gooner99

PrettyBoy wrote: »

I've heard conflicting views on this topic - some people say the timing belt should be done at 100,000 miles but others say it can be done at any stage from 50,000 miles on. Looked through the service history and at 57,000 miles the car was serviced and had "2 new T-belts fitted" (I'm assuming "T-belt" means Timing belt?).

The car now has 90,000 miles. It's booked in for a service next week and now I'm wondering should I be thinking about getting the timing belt looked at or is there no need?

I'm pretty sure its every 60k miles.well thats what mine is, mk5 1.4l 55kw 75bhp, which is the same as I had in my mk4.mk4 & mk5 had this same 1.4 engine.I got mine done at 60k and again at 120k, never a problem with this engine. You need to have a timing kit done on these which includes water pump,etc..

The 1.4 tsi probably has a different schedule, which engine have you?

VW sometimes have an offer on timing kit service, so might be an idea to price it.

PrettyBoy

gooner99 wrote: »

I'm pretty sure its every 60k miles.well thats what mine is, mk5 1.4l 55kw 75bhp, which is the same as I had in my mk4.mk4 & mk5 had this same 1.4 engine.I got mine done at 60k and again at 120k, never a problem with this engine. You need to have a timing kit done on these which includes water pump,etc..

The 1.4 tsi probably has a different schedule, which engine have you?

VW sometimes have an offer on timing kit service, so might be an idea to price it.

Thanks for the reply Gooner. It's a standard 1.4 petrol engine, every 60k miles sounds right. The service records also mention that the water pump was done at the same time.

unkel

Lads, the mileage is one thing, but the belt needs to be replaced every 5 years anyway, even at low mileage. What year is your car PrettyBoy and when was the belt replaced previously (I take it you have documented evidence it was replaced?)

gooner99

unkel wrote: »

Lads, the mileage is one thing, but the belt needs to be replaced every 5 years anyway, even at low mileage. What year is your car PrettyBoy and when was the belt replaced previously (I take it you have documented evidence it was replaced?)

Of course that is correct, 60k miles or 5 years.I do about 15k miles per year so didn't think on that.

gooner99

PrettyBoy wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Gooner. It's a standard 1.4 petrol engine, every 60k miles sounds right. The service records also mention that the water pump was done at the same time.

No problem. I'd say once you've got it stamped that it was done at 60k miles and it's not been 5 years since then you should not need to do it yet.

PrettyBoy

Just checked the service records and it actually was just over 5 years ago when they were last replaced..I'll tell my mechanic to add it to the invoice for next week

JJJJNR

PrettyBoy wrote: »

Just checked the service records and it actually was just over 5 years ago when they were last replaced..I'll tell my mechanic to add it to the invoice for next week

i wouldnt drive the car again until its been changed, 100% sure murphys law will kick in now.

PrettyBoy

JJJJNR wrote: »

i wouldnt drive the car again until its been changed, 100% sure murphys law will kick in now.

Long overdue I'd say as the car's never given me an ounce of trouble before :P

gooner99

PrettyBoy wrote: »

Just checked the service records and it actually was just over 5 years ago when they were last replaced..I'll tell my mechanic to add it to the invoice for next week

Yes get it done and make sure its the full timing kit you get done.This engine has been called a soft engine,but I've not had a bother.I think it's down to following the service schedule and using the right oil.But I do service it every 10k miles as recommended and use 5w30 fully synthetic oil. I use castrol edge which is vag approved.Quite expensive but you can get it on offer in halfords from time to time, but best price I got was on Amazon recently.Not sure how long you have the car, but this engine does burn a bit of oil, which is fine once you keep and eye on it and top up between services.I have 140k miles on mine now and plan to keep it for a good while longer.