VW timng belt change Age vs KMs

[Bluestream]

My 2000 Beetle 1.8 has gone 15 years, & 90,000 KMs since the timing belt was changed by PO at an Indy shop.
VW says 100,000 miles regardless of age to make a change. VW forums say to disregard the VW recommendation and do it sooner.

Anyone knowledgeable in this area care to comment?

 

[Jetronic]

if this is still like on the golf III, the belt condition is very easy to check, seconds....

 

[Nessism1]

I'd change it now.

 

[vwmaniaman]

Most of those VW belt changes are easy after you remove the passenger tire and wheel well liner. The parts are not really expensive either and replace the tensioner pulley too.

 

[Thermo1223]

It's not just mileage IMO but the age and amount of heat cycles the timing tensioner and idle rollers go through. Bearings don't last forever.

 

[vavavroom]

My 2000 Beetle 1.8 has gone 15 years, & 90,000 KMs since the timing belt was changed by PO at an Indy shop.
VW says 100,000 miles regardless of age to make a change. VW forums say to disregard the VW recommendation and do it sooner.

Anyone knowledgeable in this area care to comment?

1.8T? I'd rather err on the side of caution. I would not go past 7 years or 120k miles. It's not only about the belt. If a tensioner goes limp or the water pump bearing or idle roller fails the belt skips a tooth and the valves go bye-bye. I'd replace water pump, belt tensioner, idle roller, timing belt, and accessory belt.

 

[Bluestream]

if this is still like on the golf III, the belt condition is very easy to check, seconds....

I don't think so, but having a look at it would be helpful.

 

[ecotourist]

About 20 years ago my daughter was just about to drive her then boyfriend's VW (don't know the model) right across the country. His father checked the car over and pronounced it good to go. Just as she set out, the timing belt broke. But that was a non interference engine so no harm done.

At least it picked a good place to break down (just outside Toronto).

 

[vavavroom]

About 20 years ago my daughter was just about to drive her then boyfriend's VW (don't know the model) right across the country. His father checked the car over and pronounced it good to go. Just as she set out, the timing belt broke. But that was a non interference engine so no harm done.

At least it picked a good place to break down (just outside Toronto).

Off the top of my head the 8-valve 1.8 liter was the last non-interference VW engine. New VW engine designs after '93 or so are interference type.

 

[Bluestream]

Deleted

 

[vavavroom]

No, the 1.8 is interference

The 8-valve version? I don't think so. The 1.8T is interference.