Definitive Advice - Timing Belt...

[WelshGas]

Did he explain how to check it without first removing it which involves exactly the same amount of work as replacement?

Well the check is part of the Service schedule in Europe since the introduction of the T5 and composite cambelts.

 

[RetroRed5]

Had an oil change service today at VW Stoke and asked for the latest official guidance on cam belt changes.
The answer I was given sort of agrees with what others have also found, that is that VW expect the cambelt to “last the life of the vehicle”.
Interesting wording, for if it fails it could cause the end of that vehicles life. But I digress.
The service manager advised me to have it checked at every service from 5 years on, and to consider replacement if there is evidence of wear.
That seems solid advice, and that is what I intend to do.
Hope this helps.
BTW the cost of replacement was quoted as being £890 at present. Ouch.

That's pretty much the plan I'm going to follow

According to VW's general advice on the subject, my Cali is nowhere near due a new belt (only 19k miles), but given it has just past its 5th birthday, I'll be asking VW to inspect it on the next service.

 

[KevH]

Well the check is part of the Service schedule in Europe since the introduction of the T5 and composite cambelts.

That is good to know @WelshGas although I’d rather request it specifically than trust the technician.

BTW to your knowledge are the service schedules available online? When my locsl garage do a service it is all documented but with VW I get nothing, so I’ve no idea what has been done and what hasn’t (I am on a service plan, which might be a factor). Ta.

 

[WelshGas]

That is good to know @WelshGas although I’d rather request it specifically than trust the technician.

BTW to your knowledge are the service schedules available online? When my locsl garage do a service it is all documented but with VW I get nothing, so I’ve no idea what has been done and what hasn’t (I am on a service plan, which might be a factor). Ta.

It's all held on the VW system. Your Dealership should give you a Copy on request.