How to know if your Timing Belt/Water Pump has been changed

[FreqWiz]

I was given (OK had to put the engine back in it) a 2003 Turbo Beetle. The Car has just over 95K and runs great, other then an eternal CEL, that I am tracking down (Vacuum Leak).

How ever after reading these forums I am afraid to put any money to make this car better till I know what needs to be done has been done.

If I still have you, here is my Question:

***Question starts here***

How can you tell if the timing belt and water pump has been changed?? Please say there is an easy way to tell.......

[agento2]

You should have done it while the engine was out, but unless there is a sticker or a receipt saying when it was done you can't be sure. The condition of the belt can be an indicator but I wouldn't rely on it.

[DZLBUG]

There is no way to know for sure. I would just go ahead and replace them, along with the tensioner, roller and stretch bolts.

[FreqWiz]

Thanks, the engine was not all the way out, the prior owner had the clutch replaced, the person that replaced it over tightened the trans mount bolt. A week later the engine dropped loose pulling the left axle apart.

All I did was get a new mount out of a junk yard and a new axle and now I have a good running car.

Thanks for the help

[72SuperBeetle]

when you do the timing belt and water pump, make sure you get a water pump with a metal impeller. the factory vw pump comes with a plastic imeller that is failure prone.

[FreqWiz]

Originally Posted by 72SuperBeetle

when you do the timing belt and water pump, make sure you get a water pump with a metal impeller. the factory vw pump comes with a plastic imeller that is failure prone.

Part source please...I am looking into how hard it is to do this...There is some things I can do, but a lot I can not.

Thanks again for any help??

[Palmettoguy]

you can get metal impeller pumps here

[Smileybug]

You can also get entire timing belt kits from ECSTuning.com which include the metal impeller pump, new bolts, mounts, tensioner, and coolant you need.

[FreqWiz]

Ok, Called a certified Euro Car mechanic that is not at the dealership This is what he said will be needed to do the job and what it will cost.....

water pump with metal impeller
timing belt
tensioner roller
tensioner assembly
idler roller
accessory drive belt
thermostat
housing
new seals gaskets and bolts
plus labor

all for $850....am I getting screwed????

[Smileybug]

850 seems slightly high, but not too astronomical. I paid $450 for mine, but I have a 2.0, so its a bit easier. I will say that you don't necessarily need to do the thermostat. Some people do though. I didn't have it done when I got my work done.

Any way they will warranty the labor if you brought your own parts? You can get kits for just a couple hundred dollars.