Cambelt change - Golf Volkswagen Cars & Trucks

Hi there,

Most Japanese designed engines have an internally mounted water pump, usually driven by the cambelt.

When we talk in terms of cam design, there are two types of engines: a) Interference and b) non-interference.

An interference egine means - if the cambelt were to break whilst engine is running, there will be major internal engine damage.
A non-interference engine means - if the cambelt were to break whilst engine is running, there will NOT be any serious internal damage to the engine.

Note: the GS300 engine (3.0L 6-cyl) is considered a Non-Interference engine.

So, one of the most critical compenents which MUST be changed, is the cambelt itself. Most manufacturers recommend changing this belt every 90,000 - 100,000km's (80,000 miles). If you have a non-interference engine, this period is not as critical, but should still be changed soon, to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown whilst travelling.

The 2nd critical compenent is the Water Pump. The worst possible outcome of a failed waterpump, is your engine will suddenly drain of all coolant, resulting in serious overheating, causing serious internal damage to your engine.

Although there is no specified time to change the waterpump, a waterpump endures wear and tear like any component and lifespan can reduce rapidly beyond 100,000km's (80,000 mles). As the waterpump is situated next to the cambelt, it is a general rule to change out both cambelt and waterpump at the same time.

The majority of the cost to replace the cambelt, is in labor (ie opening the engine etc). If you choose to replace only one of these components, you will need to be prepared to pay for same procedure again in future, to replace the 2nd component.

Therefore, it can be more economical in the long term, to have both components changed together.

Hope this helps...


Scott




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The waterpump is driven by the cambelt. It is under the big black plastic cambelt cover at the front of the car. It is not absolutely essential to remove the rad but it is only 4 bolts and two hoses to get it out and it gives you alot more room to work. I would change the cambelt while I was there also to be honest. It will all have to come off again when you change the belt soo.... If you are not familiar with changing cambelts and timing it up I would let a pro do it. It is not worth the chance you might mis time it and ruin your engine.

1st timing belt change is at 60,000mi.

Hi,you should change cambelt pully(there is a bearing inside pully before it worn out completely,it will cause high friction and heat to burn out your bell and rattling noise).buy cambelt pully from the dealer then take it to the garage ask them to put it in for you (labor about 30.00 dollars)...the rest is ok to wait until 150.000 miles.
good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

ok its not a cam belt its a timing belt its on the passanger side in a front wheel drive car you can get one at any auto parts store but when you go to replace it mark the pullys with a paint marker so you know they are lined up when you replace it otherwise tou pistons will come up and hit your valves distroying your heads and ruening your motor

we recommend to change the cambelt or the timing belt every 2 years but usually some of our costumers changes about 4 years which is not suitable for the car.

I would recommend a change every 40,000 miles.

should be 80 to90 thousand miles ck with dealer

You really don't want to do this yourself.

i believe it to be 50,000 miles or five years....if your not sure change it its cheaper than an engine repair!!