Timing Belt

[JL_78612]

My 2001 New Beetle just reached its 60K mile mark and I've been told the timing belt needs to replaced. How likely is it that the belt actually needs to be replaced RIGHT NOW? I usually drive about 30-35 miles/day to and from work (highway driving) and that's it. Obviously, considering the cost, I would like to wait it out as long as possible. Thanks! I should also mention that it's an automatic.

[silverpodgirl]

My 2001 just hit 70,000 and I had the timing belt and water pump done exactly one week ago. From everything I have read here, the feeling seems to be that they need to get done around 70,000. I had mine checked at 60,000 and it was fine. I did at 70,000 just to be safe. Maybe you an have someone check it.

[The Cheat]

60k for pre-02.
80k for 02.
100k thereafter.

I wouldn't chance it. The waterpump is the weak link.

[Dorado]

Don't take the chance, if it breaks there is major internal engine damage on the TDI. So I would say do it within the month of having reached 60k. That would still be on time on my book. Best timing belt kits for TDI are from www.dieselgeek.com

[Bonedaddy]

Trying to squeeze an extra 10K out of the existing timing belt is a gamble I'm not willing to take with my TDI.

If the reason you're considering waiting is because the dealership is pricey, there are alternatives having the dealership do the work.

[DR.billZ]

I had mine done at 78,000. I wouldn't advise to push it that far either.
If you are anywhere near St. Louis I'd let Oilhammer do the work.

[newbeetleman]

I had mine done at 90,000..... and it didn't last 75 miles. The dealer didn't time it right and it jumped time thus locking up my engine. Of course they bought me a new one engine and that one has 70k on it.

[Diesel Dave]

On my sisters 2K she had the dealer do it at 80K. 50K later the belt snaped on the freeway.

After getting a quote of $9200.00 for a new engine, I now have a beetle in the drive. I have not had a chance to pull the head and to see how trashed the motor is.

From what I have seen of this motor DO NOT wait, Get the belt done NOW!!!!! A belt is cheeper than a motor.

Dave

[The Cheat]

If you're in the tri-state area (CT/NY/NJ), I can do this service for $250 plus parts. It's a day job and I have air tools. Let me know and I will set an appointment.

[mgwerks]

JL_78612,

I hope by now you have gotten the gist that you shouldn't wait. I am going out on a limb and assuming that you live in Cedar Creek/Wyldwod, Texas area (if 78216 is your zipcode). A few miles from my ex, and from red_rock_beetle. You are in luck, as the best TDI mechanic in the larger area is in Austin, and he's *THE* timing belt go-to guy in Texas. His name is Robbie and you can reach him through www.runonbeer.com. Tell him I sent you - no discount, but he'll know I haven't forgotten him (as I'll need another TB in about 20K miles - about May 07). Oh, and *DO* get the deluxe TB kit from www.dieselgeek.com. It will have the all the upgraded parts and is good for 100,000 miles. Better work and far cheaper than a dealership.

Good Luck!

[moved2tdi]

Originally Posted by The Cheat

60k for pre-02.
80k for 02.
100k thereafter.

The pre-02 TDI automatic had a timing belt change interval of 40k miles.

All TDIs can use the 100k mile kit which can be purchased from www.dieselgeek.com.
The deluxe kit with the water pump is added insurance because if the water pump fails
it could cause timing belt failure and catastrophic engine damage.
The timing belt must also be removed to get to the water pump.

You are taking a chance to bring your TDI to the dealership for a timing belt.
Many dealers have little to no knowledge about the TDI.
Instead find a trusted mechanic to know it is done right. TDIclub has a listing of trusted mechanics here:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=130044