Timing belt or chain??

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
May 5, 2006
Messages
563
Location
Michigan
My sister just got her '01 Jetta GLS 2.0L...

Does it have a timing belt or a chain? It has 102k on it, and it's about time to change it(if it's a belt)...

How much should this cost to have somebody do it?

Thanks!
 
It's got a belt.

The funny thing is, the maintenance schedule does not show when to replace it. It just recommends checking its condition.
dunno.gif


http://www.bentleypublishers.com/tech/vw/vw.2001.maintenance.sched.pdf
 
Thanks.

Is it something best left to a mechanic?? How much does it normally cost?? I found the actual timing belt and it only costs $36.
 
Id expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 or so for a garage to change it.
You are really paying for labor, as the belt itself is fairly cheap.

Recently had the timing chain gasket cover replaced on my 1996 Taurus at a very reputable garage. (Been using them for about 2 years with ZERO complaints...and Im picky) It ran be around $375 to have the gasket replaced and the timing chain. Mechanic said the chain looked it good condition, but I opted to change it since he was already in there.

But, by all means, when in doubt have it changed. I personally haven't had a chain or belt go out, but I've heard the horror stories. Its definately something I do not want to encounter.
Service manual on my wifes 98 Camry says to replace the BELT every 90K.
Since you bought a high mileage, belt driven, car with no service history I would have it changed as soon as I could afford it and consider it money well spent.
 
The Gates timing belt guide states that the "belt manufactureres" recommend a 60k change interval for that vehicle. Which means that the vehicle mfg. has no recommended interval. It is an interference engine and the water pump runs of of the timing belt. (according the the Gates guide)
 
Didn't you post a while back thinking about buying that car? What transmission does it got, manual or automatic? I would also change the transmission fluid too. For the automatic, final drive fluid is seaparate, change that too.

As for the timing belt, I would ask around to get an estimate. I'm thinking it will cost about $250-$300, cost more at dealership but call and ask. Will take
about a few hours of labor. Good luck with the car.
 
I changed the belt myself on my 1994 Eclipse, drove it another 25K and traded it in. 3 days later, the dealer called to ask me if there was any warranty on the timing belt change. Apparently, somebody bought the car and the belt broke on their way home. $1500 damage to the engine. I hate that this happened to an innocent consumer, but it's sure nice to dodge a bullet every now and then. No clue why the belt failed so early, other than 1) it was defective from the factory, or 2) it got pinched some time during the install, which can greatly shorten its life.
 
Some stuff I read when I was looking at getting an used Honda was that the timing belt ran the waterpump and thus you really should/**** near have to change both...keep that in mind.


Edit - I'm not sure about VW's just noting for general info.
freak2.gif
 
Yep, my sister bought it.

It's got an automatic. I want to change that fluid for her. She's only 16, so the timing belt looks like it's gonna be a big cost for her.
That's too bad.

What do you mean "final drive fluid is separate"?? Geez, I've never heard of that before. I better get the Haynes manual for it quickly!
smile.gif
 
Don't waste your time with a Haynes or Chilton manual. Spend the $70 and buy a Bentley Manual. They give the information that you need for your specific car.

Impex has paper manual for $67 I believe. You can find them at worldimpex.com.
 
You need to change your belt. They can fail after 80,000 miles. The job is pretty difficult compared to most other cars. Try and find a VW specialist. You will also need to replace the tensioner pulley with its bearing. The bearing is a press fit on the pulley, it is not worth the labor to replace the bearing. In inflated price California this is a $450-500 job.
 
I agree 100%, get the real deal. Back then I bought the Chilton manual and found that to be a bit vague sometimes. I finally bought the Bentley manual and regret that I bought the Chilton in the first place.

Changing the timing belt is worth it, rather not have it break on you later.

Final drive means the same as front differential. Uses 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
 
ECStuning.com (and I'm sure many other places as well) sells a complete TB kit for this car/engine that includes:
- Timing belt
- Water pump (metal impellor)
- Thermostat (87d)
- Timing belt tensioner roller
- Accessory drive belt

I would get it all done at the same time, since the labor charges will be similar whether you just replace the belt or everything else. You're at a milege where it makes sense to do it too, and then not have to worry about it for the next 60-80K miles.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top