Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Radam87

I had the timing and aux belt done last year. I took the car in for service just under 12 moths later and the aux belt is perishing and the crankshaft seal is leaking.

Is the seal replaced when the belts are done?

Is it common for the aux belt to fail within 12 months?

I go to an indie VW specialist.

Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - elekie&a/c doctor
The crankshaft seal is not replaced when the timing belt is replaced. Unless, of course , it’s leaking . It may be leaking due to another problem, like a faulty engine crankcase breather . Oil on the poly vee belt will make it deteriorate fairly quickly. Needs to be fixed asap . If the belt breaks , it can get caught up il the timing belt and cause engine damage .
Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Radam87

A couple of years ago they mentioned that the engine housing was cracked - would this cause a problem? This was in the months following the cam/aux change. The new aux belt then failed.

Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Big John

A crankshaft oil leak could cause deterioration of the aux belt AND the cam belt. I'd get back into your indie specialist to investigate asap.

Out of interest which engine is it?

Edited by Big John on 30/01/2024 at 12:16

Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Big John

To clarify it'd be a leak in the front crankshaft oil seal that would potentially damage the belts.

Edited by Big John on 30/01/2024 at 18:30

Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - elekie&a/c doctor
If it’s a Diesel engine, are you sure it’s not the fuel filter leaking?
Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Radam87

It's the 2 litre GT Edition.

Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - elekie&a/c doctor
Was it mentioned what part of the engine housing was cracked ?
Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Radam87

No it didn't mention which part. It's been cracked for over 2 years. They only use OEM VW parts so the cost of replacement was well over £600/700 quid if I remember rightly.

All these problems started after they changed the cam belt in 2021.

It's due in 2026. They have recommended I change it next year and have the seal done then.

Volkswagen Golf - Aux belt and Crank Shaft Failure. - Radam87

Can I post pics here or links to pics?