TECHMAIL: Early cambelt change

By: WebmasterAdmin

I purchased a Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab 2,0-litre TDi Trend in 2012. The bakkie has travelled 33 189 km and is stock standard with no modifications. At its last service at Strijdom Park Volkswagen I was advised that the cambelt was “filled with sand” and needed replacing (the quoted price to replace the unit is approximately
R9 000). We live on a smallholding and travel five kilometres on a dirt road before turning onto the tar road. This is the only dirt road the vehicle has travelled on and it is garaged overnight. Surely, being a bakkie, the manufacturer should expect the vehicle to cope with dirt roads? It seems like a design problem to me; however, the dealer insists it is my fault. I’d appreciate your opinion.

JONATHAN MARSDEN
Magaliesburg

Answer: Our opinion is that you have a case. Sand should not be able to reach the timing belt. Please contact Volkswagen South Africa if you have no joy at the dealership. Light commercial vehicles (such as bakkies) are designed and tested to withstand harsh environments including dirt-road use during lengthy durability testing. Therefore the Amarok should be fully capable of meeting your drive-cycle needs as described.

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