How to tell when TIming Belt/Chain needs to be changed?

[li21]

Hi all,

Is there a way you can tell when a timing belt / chain needs to be changed?

I ask because I was going through my log books and I can't actually find when it was last changed. Well.. there is one record that shows it was changed around 90k.. but nothing after that. The car is on 208k now..

The last owner told me it had been changed at 160k but I can't find any receipts or logs that show this.. (gave me a stack of paper work)

Is there a way I can tell either by visual inspection, noises, feel of the car that would give clues as to when it needs changing?

I know it makes a whistling noise upon accelrating when the engine is cold.

Cheers.

[Mrk_Mickey]

hmm..i'd say you'd only be able to tell by a noise, especially if it's not recent. Your car doesn't have a chain (and you should be thankful! haha), just a belt. That noise does seem as though it would indicate some attention needed at the belt but I can't confirm.

[VDUBD]

belts on average are 100k but stupid cars like astras ect are every 60k so id say every 100ish

[Golf Loon]

should be every 90 on a GL.
A visual inspection of the belt by a knowledgeable mechanic will tell you if it has been changed recently.

[li21]

Thanks guys.. whats the usual costs for a replacement on a GL these days?

[Brisben]

should be every 90 on a GL.
A visual inspection of the belt by a knowledgeable mechanic will tell you if it has been changed recently.

Its best to change sooner than later, a shiny belt on the outside normally indicates its been on there a while. Minor cracks on the underside are another tell tale sign.

[Jmac]

Tensioner rollers are notorious for squeeling too. This you will replace when doing your belt. Not false economy to do the belt anyway and will give you piece of mind. Reasonably priced for this engine too.
Jmac

[karmen]

peace of mind Jmac lol

[karmen]

taking the cam pulley off only....... means you can squeeze the belt together teeth to teeth. there should be minimal light coming thru if good cond.
no cracks in rubber anywhere.
Just got a schmick Volvo244 and 5 teeth missing off the belt
started huge valve damage!

[gareth_oau]

I'd say if you are driving along and theres a god-awful noise of pistons hitting valves, it might suggest its time to consider a belt-change