How to check Cambelt/plugs
 

I have cause to be concerned about whether a service was really completed on my car over Christmas as I was advised.

The service that should have been done included the Cambelt and Plugs. Is there any fairly easy way of checking that these have been done without taking the bumper and rads off etc?

You can pull back the cover and look at the belt, but no guarantees really if it's been on for 8 months, it'll start to look dirty now.

Which cover needs removing? Is it the black cover at the front of the engine?

What I am looking for is whether it has an Audi belt or a generic belt. If it is Audi, it will be the original one.

You should be able to pop that front cover off and look. Also, a half decent indie should be able to swap the belt on a 4.2 without taking the front off, saves a fortune.

I have had a look at the cambelt and it looks absolutely perfect with no dust or any wear - however I know that this is no guarantee.

It is a Gates Power Grip belt sporting VW ad Audi logos. Is this the type of belt that would have been fitted originally?

Not 100% sure, but I thought it was Continental that made the OEM ones.

Thanks for your help; I will give my local(ish) dealer a call to see if they know what make would be fitted. It would be great news if it has been changed - it would mean that the garage is telling the truth, it's just that they have to find the paperwork so I can keep the service history together.

What about the spark plugs? Is there a specific type/make that they would have been at manufacture?

The dealer has come back to me about the cambelt.

They have said that the original cambelt would only have VW Audi symbols and a part code. As mine is branded (Gates) they say it has been replaced.

This is a weight off my shoulders, my only problem now is getting the garage to get it stamped up for me as they seem unable to tell me where it was serviced.

Do I need an Audi garage to reset my service indicator? It is getting boring on startup now...

anyone with VCDS can do it.