[behhimaryjo]

Hi

first timer. hope someone can help.

1 month ago I brought my car in for service. Service was done but with problems- overfilled oil, warning lamp returned after few days etc.

brought it back and they redid oil, checked cat converter and said all ok.

warning lamp back on.

but now my timing belt is after going while i was driving.

there was no mention of the timing belt when i brought my car in.

102,000 miles on clock.

surely they should have told me if it needed replacing.

only happened today so have til tomorrow before i talk to garage.

devastated. who has 000's to fix job like that. raging cause would have got it done if i knew.

behhimaryjo

 

[Keithuk]

Welcome to the forum. welcometomyturbodies

Sorry to hear the bad news.

They should have asked you if the timing belt has been changed as its due around 80k. Was it a VW dealer that did the service? If you had said I don't know if its been done they should have told you the consequences if it breaks and quoted you a price.

 

[chittychittybangbang]

Sorry to hear that. Normally garages are pretty good at suggesting maintenance since it drums up business for them. However, it will be difficult to get them to provide any compensation unless the last problem was related to the timing belt, which it sounds like it wasn't.

The engine will definitely need a new or rebuilt head. Check the cylinder protrusion as well to make sure the rods aren't bent. This is done by measuring with a dial gauge or at least a feeler gauge, how far the cylinder sticks up above the head. This determines what head gasket thickness you use.

 

[behhimaryjo]

Welcome to the forum. welcometomyturbodies

Sorry to hear the bad news.

They should have asked you if the timing belt has been changed as its due around 80k. Was it a VW dealer that did the service? If you had said I don't know if its been done they should have told you the consequences if it breaks and quoted you a price.

It was in a volkwagon main dealer. I've been told that a timing belt is almost the first thing they should mention. there was a timing chain in my last car so I know nothing about timing belts.


Is it not pure negligence that it wasnt mentioned. i paid for a full service and VW/Audi diagnostic and health check .

the document I have says i paid for "all VW/Audi factory product improvements checked" and "carry out free VW/Audi Health check"

And also "carry out diagnostic check with VW/Audi computer"

would none of these rang alarms bells about timing belt interval change?

Regards and thanks,

BMJ

PS. Wish I stuck to my reliable Toyota now!

 

[behhimaryjo]

Sorry to hear that. Normally garages are pretty good at suggesting maintenance since it drums up business for them. However, it will be difficult to get them to provide any compensation unless the last problem was related to the timing belt, which it sounds like it wasn't.

The engine will definitely need a new or rebuilt head. Check the cylinder protrusion as well to make sure the rods aren't bent. This is done by measuring with a dial gauge or at least a feeler gauge, how far the cylinder sticks up above the head. This determines what head gasket thickness you use.

Think reply above covers this...

Thanks,

BMJ

 

[Keithuk]

As Chitty says its going to be difficult to prove that the dealer didn't suggest a timing belt replacement unless you had a witness that heard the conversation.

You could try a negotiate a deal with them to do the job as cost price because they didn't advise you? You could contact VWOA and make a complaint?

 

[chittychittybangbang]

The local garage I go to does list all suggested maintenance and when you sign the invoice, it lists everything that was suggested and declined.

I hope for your sake that the dealer will give you some negotiation under their goodwill.

"carry out diagnostic check with VW/Audi computer" just means scan for error codes. The timing belt is a mechanical device and will not give any error codes when it's about to break.

"all VW/Audi factory product improvements checked" just means check for any software updates or recalls. Timing belt falls under regular maintenance.

"carry out free VW/Audi Health check" this may cover the timing belt. This is probably your best bet.

Lastly, before you go any further, how sure are you that the timing belt is gone? 102,000 miles is beyond the interval but not by much.

 

[Seatman]

Bummer if it is broken, I keep reading these sort of stories about the dealers which is a shame because I would like to think they would be the best people to look after the car. I've had it happen on a toyota too so they're not immune. If you're in need of assistance regarding the head though I hear a guy called franko6 on the tdiclub is supposed to be the go to guy for that sort of thing. Anyway welcometomyturbodies

 

[alain565]

gonna get er done then, since they have suggested to do so

 

[Keithuk]

If you're in need of assistance regarding the head though I hear a guy called franko6 on the tdiclub is supposed to be the go to guy for that sort of thing.

I think you'll find that franko6 is on here as well Niel.

 

[hari0568]

Sorry to hear that, dealer shoul tell you about timing belt changing...

 

[behhimaryjo]

The local garage I go to does list all suggested maintenance and when you sign the invoice, it lists everything that was suggested and declined.

I hope for your sake that the dealer will give you some negotiation under their goodwill.

"carry out diagnostic check with VW/Audi computer" just means scan for error codes. The timing belt is a mechanical device and will not give any error codes when it's about to break.

"all VW/Audi factory product improvements checked" just means check for any software updates or recalls. Timing belt falls under regular maintenance.

"carry out free VW/Audi Health check" this may cover the timing belt. This is probably your best bet.

Lastly, before you go any further, how sure are you that the timing belt is gone? 102,000 miles is beyond the interval but not by much.

latest is they said it was done 2 and a half years ago. or 23,000 miles ago

40,000 miles before it should go.

they say their warranty is on time, 2 years, not mileage

what a load of muck...

surely they have to do something...

23,000 miles out of a timing belt????