Timing Belt Replacement

[superfinch]

We just picked up a 2001 Manual TDI with 48K miles and are wondering about the life of the timing belt? Answers from VW techs seem to vary ... hearing 50K - 100K for replacement.

At a recent oil change, we were told the belt looked "okay" but we should consider replacing it at 60K because of the age of the vehicle.

Please share your timing belt experience(s). Thank you!

[DarthBeetle]

TDI FAQ

[DZLBUG]

The original interval for a 2001 5 speed is 60k miles or 5 years. On the basis of age alone you are on borrowed time. Get the timing belt done by a COMPETENT TDI mechanic (not the dealer) now. Any TDI mechanic worth his salt will install a complete timing belt kit that will be good for the next 100k miles/5 years. This is only possible with the use of a quality TB kit that uses the updated components that were installed on newer vehicles including; updated timing belt, updated tensioner and the large idler roller with the bigger bearing. Dealers will not install these updated parts into your 2001, and they often will not replace all the parts in the path, which in addition to the above components, also includes the water pump and 2 other rollers. It is usually not the belt that fails, most often it is one of the components that it rides on. Dealers (and other shops) who do not replace these components are playing russian roulette.

There are several good mechanics in the Portland area (Justin Grow "oldpoopie" or Rich and Marcel at Fix'Um Haus) or head up to Dryden and see these folks:

Big Wrench Repair
8535 Main Street
Dryden, WA 98821
(509) 782-2265
Owner/Tech - Albin Moore
Big Wrench Repair - Dryden, WA - Albin Moore - ASE Certified - Auto Repair Dryden, Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth

[superfinch]

So, what I am reading then is that we need to replace the belt and go with the new conversion kit? How much more does the conversion kit cost v. going with another 60K belt?

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by superfinch

So, what I am reading then is that we need to replace the belt and go with the new conversion kit? How much more does the conversion kit cost v. going with another 60K belt?

The cost of the 100k kit would be less money than each of the individual components at the dealer.

VW TDI timing belts, aluminum VW skid plates, VW short shift kits, VW G60 clutch, and Race Pipes by www.dieselgeek.com
Bora Parts
www.idparts.com
Parts for all water cooled VW cars specializing in TDI models

All sell good kits with quality 100k components. Talk with the mechanic of your choice first though before you go and buy. Many mechanics prefer to source their own parts and that is the only way they will warranty the work.

Please note that this is not a job that just any mechanic should do. There are specific tools and procedures that are absolutely required and that most shops (even most dealers) don't have or don't bother to use.

[superfinch]

DZLBUG, did you convert to the new kit?

[DZLBUG]

Its not a conversion, but yes, I put the 100k components in my car. There is no reason not to.

[CoriBug]

The links provided above probably mention this but just a reminder - make sure that a metal water pump impeller is installed, not plastic like the one your NB has now.

[DZLBUG]

Yup...those vendors only sell metal impeller pumps.

[Lew]

Have you ever seen the plastic impeller removed from the pumps shaft. It's pressed on the knurled pump shaft. My friend who has a VW shop removed one from a Jetta and without any problem, I twisted it off the shaft with my hands. Apparently it was slipping causing the Jetta to run hot.

[05tdi]

I don't know how they could have seen the timing belt with an oil change... They would have had to take the whole side of the motor apart... Maybe they were talking about the serpentine belt which is viewable on its own and is something entirely different.

[The Cheat]

it takes under 5 minutes to remove the upper timing cover as it's only held on with 4 snaps. i check 'em every oil change starting at 30k for my customers.

that being said, a 100k timing belt kit is the right choice for any tdi owner. it's peace of mind.

i do wish that people would stop badmouthing the dealers though. as someone who is dealer-trained (and proud of it, i wear my shirts with pride), i've noticed a general tone of resentment towards the dealer. it's totally your choice to bring your car wherever you want, but when you bring your car to me, you're getting a certified vw master tech on the case.

that being said, most are right in the regard that a shop or individual shouldn't attempt replacement without the tools. i have 'em, i use 'em, and they allow me to do a belt in under 3 hours. work smart, not hard i say. i do know a few people out there that can nail a tdi belt WITHOUT tools though, it is truly one of those miracles of nature. me personally, i like the tools (now that i have them), and i don't know if i'd let anybody work on my tdi without them(well, at least in the timing belt area).

as for kits, i have been installing a LOT of mjm kits recently ( MJM Autohaus ). they seem to have good parts and competitive pricing. i offer a cheaper kit that is "rated" for 100k, but i wouldn't run past 60k. the difference in price over mjm: $30. i don't sell too many cheaper kits if you couldn't tell already...most of my kits that i sell with the service are mjm kits.

i don't venture much into the diesel forums anymore because it seems every response to every question is "don't bring it to the dealer". MY response to that is to find someone YOU feel comfortable with. if it's the dealer, cool...just ask for the resident diesel tech (almost every dealer has a diesel specialist), or find a GOOD vw/audi shop or individual.

at the end of the day, the goal gets accomplished one way or the other (whether i fix it, you fix it, or the dealer fixes it). it's just how it gets done that's different.

ask questions, be informed and use quality parts.

mi dos centavos.

[ST1300A]

Just in case someone from a 2006 year model TDI checks this thread, remember - you need to change your belt at 80K miles. All others with the 100K belt can check at 80K.

[archiebug]

Does anyone know what the timing belt intervals are for a 2002, 1.9 TDi PD (100BHp) (this is a UK car hence being a PD engine), some say 4 years/40k and some say 60k or 5 years. I pick the car up tomorrow (its done 67k from new and they cant prove when the belt was last done) and as part of the deal they are doing the timing belt/water pump, but I was wondering when it'll need doing again? I know loads about the 2.0 Petrol (i've had 4 of em!) but not a lot about TDi's!

[armandjones82]

I think there are many kinds of Timing Belt that you can choose from. Try some good branded parts like Dayco and others, and for sure, you would be able to really get things right and it will last a little bit longer!