Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner?

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (mspjettaIII)

If you're an experienced mechanic, you can do it yourself. But here's the thing, DO IT SOON! 90K is a long time on the original belt. You need to do it ASAP or you run the risk of being stranded somewhere.
Just for reference, I had mine changed, with new internal seals and a new water pump, for $211. Not too shabby...
T.C.

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (kkozma)

you guys live in a cheap area. arround here the minimum they want is 480 for parts and labor. otherwise its 80 for the belts, and 115 for the pump. :-(

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (mspjettaIII)

If you have to, get your parts from http://www.vwparts.com much cheaper than retail.

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (JettaRed)

My understanding is that even a stock 2.0L will trash valves if you break a belt with the engine at speed. If you change it yourself you'll save more than enuff bucks to do it right:
Timing Belt/Tensioner
Cam/Intermediate/Crankshaft seals
Water Pump
Serp Belt/Power Steering Belt
All these parts can be had for about $100 or so. Dealer here wants $599 for timing belt change...after I heard that I couldn't breathe enuff to ask if it included the seals, tensioner etc. Its about 2-3 hours of work on Sat morn to do it. I mark the old belt and gears, then mark new belt to match old one, line up marks on belt and gears and you get dead nuts on timing every time! Don't forget to start engine and check TB tension B4 you put it all back together. If you hear a howl (dog with sore tooth) its too tight. Should just be able to twist belt on front side about 90 degrees for right tension.

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (kkozma)

To kkozma...
Do you mean it is easy to change belts on a NB because you have all the space needed when you remove the front fender/bumper, or you did have to lift the engine anyway as on any transverse-installed motor car?
Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Modified by Nounours, 1:07 AM 2-8-2002]


[Modified by Nounours, 1:08 AM 2-8-2002]

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (Nounours)

Well, if you don't mind driving, you can come here to Canada and get it done at a dealership for $280 Canadian or so...... still will be cheaper....

Re: Timing Belt? At 90k Miles or sooner? (mspjettaIII)

I do mine every 60k. A little over kill. But I used to own 16v's so I am just in the habit.