cambelt life

[BrianSmith_S2]

Hi all , my s2 is coming up to 100,000 miles so have booked it into local vw/audi specialist for a service to keep its fsh upto date. I felt safe in the knowledge that the cambelt was last changes by QST in haywards heath at 69k knowing audi recommend it only needs changing at 74k miles but the cam belt was done back in sep 1999. does it have a shelf life as well as mileage life. all the blurb on other items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filter, etc state a mileage & time interval. what would you all reccommend.

[Jamo]

I was told that Belts should normally should be changed after 4 years despite the mileage as they perish and degrade with time.

Audiman can answer for definate.

[dan_b]

I'd like to know that too, I'm on 125k and I've not changed the cambelt since owning the car (or any of the belts actually), ie. coming up for 3 years. What is the "normal" service schedule for these parts, in years and/ or miles?

[s2driveruk]

changed mine at 75k then 140k both times the belts looked like they'd seen better days. I thought the schedule was every 80K miles but i personally wouldnt wait that long...it was the first thing i did to the car when i bought - that way you know where you are... As Jamo says, Tom can answer for definate

[S2 Ant]

My cam belt has seen 83k now, i checked it a couple of weeks ago and looked in perfect condition, i do however have all the parts to change them and probably should before things go bang and it costs me a lot more than the bits i have did

[dan_b]

The next question then - what bits need to be changed when you change a cambelt on our cars, and how much would it cost? It's quite a major job isn't it? If you're doing a cambelt, is it a good opportunity to do other jobs as well while the engine's being filleted and is off the road?

What are obvious visual signs of wear in a cambelt?

[S2 Ant]

when i do mine, i took down the list that Doug suggested ages ago.

Water pump
Cam belt and other belts
thermostat
He recommended some water pipes that are easier to get at whilst doing this too.

Cant think what else off the top of my head now, apart from making sure you use a new crank bolt and that you properly lock the crank and torque correctly so as not to damage the woodruff key.

[NorrS2]

I too changed the Cambelt @ 68k which was about 3.5 years ago. I also changed the Tensioner and the Water Pump. I'm going for the same again in the next couple of weeks (now 107k), only this time, I'm adding the Crank Pulley because I've read here somewhere (and seen pictures) of cracking and failure of the Pulley which our S2's can be prong to I believe. Can make a big mess of your internals

[NorrS2]

Cant think what else off the top of my head now, apart from making sure you use a new crank bolt and that you properly lock the crank and torque correctly so as not to damage the woodruff key.

Do you NEED a special tool to tighten the Crank Pulley? If so, Does it also do for the UR? Where can you buy them?

Cheers

[WabTheKing]

Do you NEED a special tool to tighten the Crank Pulley? If so, Does it also do for the UR? Where can you buy them?

Cheers

scafolding tube bout 2ft long on the end of your 3/4" drive strong arm!

[S2 Ant]

Its more important to ensure the crank is properly locked than anything else, getting the torque on the bolt is just as wayne said then, long bar, big driver, heavy ******* on the end of it all LOL

[Geir]

The belt should be change at every 80000 km or every 5 year!