Water pump, timing belt, tensioner, accessory belt replacement

[grumblebunny]

Hello,

I have VW dealers near me quoting anywhere between $800 and $900 for this service on my 2000 GLS with a 2.0 gasoline engine (AEG).

We have 50,000 miles on the car and the only reason I'm considering replacing the lot is the accessory belt is showing some gnarly cracks.

Frankly, the cost seems a little excessive to me considering the cost of the parts. Is this the sort of service that mechanically adept persons have done themselves?

Many thanks.

[Lnzbug]

My husband did mine. Actually he did more than just the timing belt/water pump. Get your parts from here if you decide to do it.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/product...7&categoryId=8

[grumblebunny]

Originally Posted by Lnzbug

My husband did mine. Actually he did more than just the timing belt/water pump. Get your parts from here if you decide to do it.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/product...7&categoryId=8

Hello,

Ah. Thank you for the reply. I thought it should be possible. I'm handy with a wrench and I've got the Bentley book on order.

I'm no stranger to VWs. But I'm new to the NB. We just bought it used. So I didn't know if there were any gotchas that would prevent me from doing it myself.

Thanks again.

[Lnzbug]

Others will reply too. I do know not to use the stretch bolts more than the one time. Other than that I have no secret short cut or insider tips. I was just a bystander He did all the work with just the haynes book so you should be fine. Good luck!

[hyakugojyuuichi]

Originally Posted by grumblebunny

Hello,

I have VW dealers near me quoting anywhere between $800 and $900

That's one of the reasons I quit going to the dealer. They charge way too much. My local mechanic only charged me for parts only so it only ended up being $155. I the ECS Ultimate 2.0L Timing Belt Kit http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...el=&engine=2.0

[grumblebunny]

Originally Posted by hyakugojyuuichi

That's one of the reasons I quit going to the dealer. They charge way too much. My local mechanic only charged me for parts only so it only ended up being $155. I the ECS Ultimate 2.0L Timing Belt Kit http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...el=&engine=2.0

Hello,

I was looking at that kit (with the G12 coolant) for $200. It seems like a fairly good deal considering the upgraded water pump.

To save $600-$700 I sure will do the work myself

Best regards.

[wawalker]

You will need a "special" tool to hold the TB tensioner at the specified point--every other tool is pretty standard. An assortment of sockets, extensions, etc. comes in handy working the very cramped quarters removing the passenger side engine mount, at least the part bolted to the engine. I've done TB & WP jobs on 2.0 and 1.8T. The 2.0 is a bit easier.

[grumblebunny]

Originally Posted by wawalker

You will need a "special" tool to hold the TB tensioner at the specified point--every other tool is pretty standard. An assortment of sockets, extensions, etc. comes in handy working the very cramped quarters removing the passenger side engine mount, at least the part bolted to the engine. I've done TB & WP jobs on 2.0 and 1.8T. The 2.0 is a bit easier.

Hello,

Thanks! It wouldn't happen to be this tool, would it? http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/image...2/600/8162.jpg

I must say; I'm very glad I registered on the org!

Best regards

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by grumblebunny

Hello,

Thanks! It wouldn't happen to be this tool, would it? http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/image...2/600/8162.jpg

I must say; I'm very glad I registered on the org!

Best regards

The one I used before belongs to Fowvay--it is a bit different, but yeah, it looks like that will do the job.

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by wawalker

You will need a "special" tool to hold the TB tensioner at the specified point

I use a cotter pin puller (sort of like a screw driver bent at a 90 degree angle and sharpened to a point).

Too bad you aren't in the Atlanta area - I only charge $250 and you bring your own parts (Metalman is highly recommended)

As far as doing it yourself, my first time took about 7 hours - with experience it will only take about 4 hours on the 2.0L (a little longer on the 1.8T because of the aux waterpump pipe and pancake pipe).

Some things to watch out for:

1. The allen head bolts that hold on the harmonic balancer are easy to strip (and many times are stripped from a previous timing belt replacement as I've discovered....)
2. Depending on the age of the car, the dipstick tube will most likely break while trying to change the thermostat - when you order parts, go ahead and order a dipstick tube. They cost $3.
3. If you are going to change the thermostat, you REALLY should buy a set of long reach ball-end allen sockets. Otherwise it can take longer to change the thermostat than the entire rest of the timing belt job.
4. I set the engine to TDC and use the "nail polish" technique just as added insurance. (Nail polish technque is where you mark the belt with a light colored nail polish at 3 locations to ensure the new belt is installed in exactly the same position).

Here on the Org, I've heard some people claim it took them an entire weekend to do this job... but I'm guessing a LOT of beer was involved. Plan accordingly.

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

I use a cotter pin puller (sort of like a screw driver bent at a 90 degree angle and sharpened to a point)....

Good idea! I have had a drawer full of several "special use tools" at times that I have made over the years. I recently went through it and put some in my recycling pile. There was one I couldn't even remember or figure out what it was for at first.

[grumblebunny]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

I use a cotter pin puller (sort of like a screw driver bent at a 90 degree angle and sharpened to a point).

[snipped to avoid repeating incredibly useful information...]

Hello,

Wow. That's great information! Many thanks to everyone for all the help. I hope someday I'll be able to return the favor

Best regards.

[sarahbeetle]

Hey grumblebunny, did you get the belt changed? How hard was it. I am looking to do this on my wifes car next weekend. I am nervous its a big job, but I certainly would like to save the money.

[redlinetoys]

I was just quoted $1,300.00 by our local VW dealer. What a ripoff.

I will be ordering one of the $200 kits with accessory belt, timing belt, improved water pump, bolts, seals, gaskets and tensioner.

I could do it myself, but found a local import shop to do it for $240. I figure that is worth doing since we just bought the car and they could look it over for any other issues.

[Smileybug]

The dealer is a total ripoff for this service. I'm having a local shop do my timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, air filter, and an oil change for ~$400. She's at the shop right now! And hopefully within the next week, I'll get her cabin air filter changed and spark plugs done myself, as well as giving her a well deserved bath. Doing work yourself is definitely a way to go to cut cost, but also look around for local, reputable shops.

[pinky]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

The dealer is a total ripoff for this service. I'm having a local shop do my timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, air filter, and an oil change for ~$400. She's at the shop right now! And hopefully within the next week, I'll get her cabin air filter changed and spark plugs done myself, as well as giving her a well deserved bath. Doing work yourself is definitely a way to go to cut cost, but also look around for local, reputable shops.

HI!

(i saw this thread and immediately thought of you.. and what do yah know.. here you are!)

[Smileybug]

Hi Pinky! Didn't realize you were over here on the .org!

Got my car back safe and sound...excellent work by Gerich

[pinky]

yeah i pop on here from time to time.. usually just to answer questions in the 1.8t section...

[Benny Beetle]

I'm not mechanically inclined (I don't like getting dirty either) so I had the dealership do it, that was the neighborhood of the cost I paid... (gls y2k, 2.0)

[Punchbuggybluenoreturns!!]

Here's what I paid for timing belt tensioner, and thermostat, parts and installation.
Bottom of bill was cut off when I scanned it, but the bottom line says $398.42.
Water pump looked like it had just been changed before we bought the car so the mech didn't put it in.

As you can see the car still needs some work..