Which VW Golf has a timing belt?
| Sold | What drives the camshafts | |
|---|---|---|
| Mk6 77TSI, 1.2 petrol | 2010 to 2012 | Chain |
| Mk6 118TSI, 1.4 Twincharger | 2009 to 2012 | Chain |
| Mk6 103TDI, 2.0 diesel | 2009 to 2012 | Belt and gears |
| Mk7 and Mk7.5 1.4 petrol (90TSI to 110TSI) | 2013 to 2020 | Toothed belt |
| Mk7 GTI, 2.0 petrol | 2013 to 2017 | Chains |
When is a timing belt change due on a VW Golf?
When the service schedule for your engine says so. There's no single figure for all Golfs, so don't take one from a forum. The Mk7 1.4 petrols are the easy ones to miss, because the Mk6 1.2 and Twincharger before them used chains. If a used Golf has no record of a belt change, ask a mechanic to check it and tell you where it sits.
A chain usually has no change date, but it isn't a part to forget. On Mk6 77TSI engines built before 18 June 2011, the 1.2 TSI chain can stretch. A rattle is the warning, and left alone the valves and pistons can touch. The 118TSI Twincharger can suffer the same way. If yours rattles on start-up, mention it at the first call.
Which DSG recalls should you check?
The 7-speed DSG (Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic, the DQ200) has several. Campaign 35D8 in October 2019 covers 2009 to 2015 Mk6 and Mk7 Golfs, where a pressure accumulator in the gearbox can crack and interrupt drive. Campaign 34J5 in April 2020 covers a fluid leak with the same result. Two earlier recalls in 2013 dealt with electrical faults inside the gearbox, one by swapping the synthetic oil for mineral oil.
Losing drive in traffic is the risk, so check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au before the service. The Mk8 1.4 moved to an Aisin eight-speed automatic with a torque converter, so these recalls don't apply to it.
What else comes up on a Golf?
On a Mk7, a hollow knocking from the rear suspension at speeds up to 50 km/h has been put down to play in the rear shock absorbers. On a 2009 to 2011 Mk6 2.0 TDI, a recall covers the injector line for the number two cylinder, which can crack and leak fuel. Mk6 Golfs were also in the Takata airbag recall, campaign 69Q7.
Will an independent service affect a Golf's warranty?
Volkswagen's warranty is five years with unlimited kilometres. A qualified independent mechanic following Volkswagen's schedule and specifications does not by itself void it, so keep the service record and invoices that name the parts and oils. Independent mechanics can also buy the same service and repair information as dealers for cars made from 2002 onwards.
Tell us the year, the badge on the boot and what's due. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
Our take on a Golf service
Ask for a logbook service to Volkswagen's schedule for that kilometre reading, and have the written estimate say whether the timing belt or any gearbox oil falls due at that visit. If it's a DSG, run the recall check first, since recall work goes through a Volkswagen dealer. And pick a mechanic who works on Volkswagens week in, week out: knowing which Golf has a belt and which has a chain is half the job.