TIMING BELT

Why should I change my timing belt?
Changing the timing belt (also known as the cam belt or toothed belt) is one of the most expensive operations you will have to perform on your car. While it might be tempting to put off changing the belt you should bear in mind that the cost of repairs following timing belt failure can be more than 5X the cost of replacing the timing belt. The timing belt turns the camshaft to operate the engine's valves. When it breaks, the pistons continue to move, but the valves do not, resulting in pistons hitting and bending/breaking some valves. A more common scenario is a tensioner seizing or breaking up, however the end result is the same, valve damage is almost certainly guaranteed.

When should I change my timing belt?
This information can be found in the first few pages of your service book. The replacement interval varies from vehicle to vehicle. Generally speaking it should be replaced every 80,000 miles on most petrol engines, or every 60,000 miles on most diesels. Alternatively it should be replaced every 4 to 5 years if the replacement mileage is not reached

What is changed with the timing belt?
Obviously the timing belt is changed, also any tensioners or rollers should be replaced. On some engines a vibration damper is fitted this should also be replaced. The water pump is often driven by the timing belt where this is the case we replace the water pump as a precaution. There is no extra labour charge for replacing the water pump, only the cost of the pump itself typically £30 to £50.

How can I check if my timing belt has previously been changed?
Check any receipts you may have from previous owners, phone any garages who serviced car around the time the cam belt was due to be changed. If in doubt replace the timing belt.

How much will it cost to change my timing belt?
We have listed below the prices for the most common models. All prices include all parts, labour and VAT. Some prices are dependent on engine code this can be found on your logbook, it will be the first 3 letters of the engine number.
Where applicable the Water pump is included in the price, these prices are marked *
Where applicable the Vibration damper is included in the price, these prices are marked ^
If your particular model isn’t listed or you can’t find it please phone with on 020 8594 7277 ext 2, or email service@nirro.co.uk for a quote.

How long will it take to change my timing belt?
You can usually have your car back the same day providing your car is dropped off in the morning. Typically we need the car for 4 to 6 hours.

Early VW 

Golf/Corrado/Vento up to 1997

Polo up to 1999

Early Audi 

80/90/100, up to 1996 inc. Coupe/Cabriolet

 Late VW & Audi

Audi A3 up to 2003

Golf Mk4/Bora 1998-2005

Audi A3 up to 2003

Golf Mk4/Bora 1998-2005

Audi A3 2003 on

Golf Mk5/Jetta 2005 on

Note 2.0 FSi does not include engine code AXW

Audi A2

Polo 2000 on

1

A4/A6 1994-2000

Passat 1997-2000

A4/A6 1995-2000

Passat 1997-2000

Audi A4/A6 2005 inc. A4 Cabriolet

Passat 2001 - 2005

The cost for the 2.0 FSi Engine is dependant on chassis no and can vary by up to £150.00 please phone or email with vehicle details for an exact quote

For other models which are not listed or if you cannot find your model in the lists above please contact us on 020 8594 7277 ext 2, or email service@nirro.co.uk quoting your registration number.