New Cam Belt

[Newfie]

Do we really need to change the cam belt after 5 years on a Ducato
Here is the old belt I requested back after fitting a new one 6 years almost 8000 miles
No sign of splitting or ware that I can see

 

[PP Bear]

Thought as we’re talking about cam belts, here’s a couple of pictures from the mechanic checking the belt.

I’d say they were lucky and just in time again.

 

[L' Hobo]

I’ve got exactly the same dilemma. Fiat Ducato based Dethleffs, 5 years old in September, 18,000 miles. Our local Fiat Professional garage said we could wait another year or two as the mileage is relatively low. I’m pleased they didn’t hard sell the need to change the belt but ultimately I’ll be the one picking up the bill if it breaks. They quoted £860 for cam belt replacement and the 2 year service. Does that sound reasonable or should I shop around?

Personally, I would have grabbed that price while it was going, you would be good for another 5 years and the price might have doubled next year!
Who knows what Mr Trump is going to do next?

 

[Burge]

Personally, I would have grabbed that price while it was going, you would be good for another 5 years and the price might have doubled next year!
Who knows what Mr Trump is going to do next?

Same Here ^^^^^^:^^^

 

[pjay]

My (Citroen Relay) official recommendation is 96,000 or 10 years

Getting it done soon (5 years)

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[PP Bear]

My (Citroen Relay) official recommendation is 96,000 or 10 years

Getting it done soon (5 years)


View attachment 1094311

Gulp

 

[SpeedyDux]

Thanks, but I'll follow the manufacturer (VAG) recommendations. Ill not be keeping the car more than another few years so not worried, but if i was id probably change it at 100K miles. I was wrong about the time though its 15 years or 180k miles. Just dug this out from SEAT. I guess it depends on the age of car/ which variant engine you have but mine falls into the directive below.
.
Starting from 1st July, there has been a revision in the cambelt replacement guidance across the Volkswagen Group, including our vehicles. The previous five-year interval for cambelt replacement has been removed. Going forward, the replacement schedule will be based on mileage, aligned with the maintenance schedules established by our Elsa Pro system, which accurately determines these intervals. The enhanced reliability and extended change intervals of cambelts have led to the removal of the previous five-year recommendation. Instead, the new guidance outlines time or distance intervals, as specified in Elsa Pro. This change was implemented on Saturday, 1st July 2023. It is advisable to refer to Elsa Pro for the recommended intervals applicable to all engine types. In certain models, this may result in the absence of a service interval, with components designated as "fitted for life," effective for a span of 15 years or 180,000 miles.

For the fita Ducato belt, my handbook states "must be changed every 4 years for heavy use (cold climates, town use or periods of heavy idling) or at least every 5 years". Ill bet most if not all use the 5 year point.
Do owners know when the engine was built in their MH? The COC build date on my last van was May 2015, however the MH wasnt registered until Jan 2016. I suspect many owners will use the registration date rather than the COC build date to change the belt.

My previous VW T4 officially had a sealed for life Autobox and no service requirement to change the ATF at all.

In the USA where it is called the VW Eurovan the owners club website had a very detailed thread recommending frequent ATF changes to give the autobox a longer life. ATF deteriorates at higher temperatures.

Together with very helpful instructions and photos for DIY maintenance. Which I discovered too late!

On mine the ZF Autobox needed a specialist rebuild at 80k miles because the original ATF had never been changed. (NB it also had cambelt changes at recommended intervals during my 10 year ownership)

I am sceptical when a manufacturer recommends the cambelt change be purely on mileage not age. That triggers alarm bells. Of course, by that time the vehicle is probably long out of warranty.

Even more sceptical about wet cambelts that are supposed to last 100k miles. That cost a small fortune to change.

 

[POH]

hi van is 5 this coming feb so will need cam belt changing then OR do I do it now , fiat recommend 50k or 5years van has done 24500 .

 

[Wanders from Glos]

Our sis very similar, but decided to get it done.

 

[gus-lopez]

I was expecting to change the cambelt on my Seat Arona next year at 5 years old. However the dealer said ther gas been a change from VAG & the belt is only replaced on mileage and should only be inspected during service. Mileage they said it needs changing at is 150K.

I'd want that in writing for if & when it snaps-

Starting from 1st July, there has been a revision in the cambelt replacement guidance across the Volkswagen Group, including our vehicles. The previous five-year interval for cambelt replacement has been removed. Going forward, the replacement schedule will be based on mileage, aligned with the maintenance schedules established by our Elsa Pro system, which accurately determines these intervals.

The get out there is the "as from" That could be taken to mean vehicles built after or belts changed after that date,

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[pelican]

Do we really need to change the cam belt after 5 years on a Ducato
Here is the old belt I requested back after fitting a new one 6 years almost 8000 miles
No sign of splitting or ware that I can see
View attachment 1091169

View attachment 1091170

View attachment 1091171

Yes inspected mine,same conditon

 

[Howard B]

I'd want that in writing for if & when it snaps-

It is in writing, See post 29, taken from Seat. Had three different dealerships confirm.

The get out there is the "as from" That could be taken to mean vehicles built after or belts changed after that date,

It doesnt. It depends on the engine type of which my current car falls into.

Not worried as I wont be keeping the car for 15 years and no way will I reach the recommended mileage in the next 10 years.

 

[Ian_H]

I’ve got exactly the same dilemma. Fiat Ducato based Dethleffs, 5 years old in September, 18,000 miles. Our local Fiat Professional garage said we could wait another year or two as the mileage is relatively low. I’m pleased they didn’t hard sell the need to change the belt but ultimately I’ll be the one picking up the bill if it breaks. They quoted £860 for cam belt replacement and the 2 year service. Does that sound reasonable or should I shop around?

Since I've just paid Fiat Professional £550 for the first 2 year service I'd say thats a bargain!