The service manual lists timing belt visual inspections at 40k and 80k, and replacement at 105k. If the belt looks fine, is it really safe to wait until 105k to change it? I know there have been failures at lower mileages, but a quick search here only turned up failures in lealier years than my 2001.
2001 1.8t: no timing belt change until 105k?
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I know this is crazy, but on my '98 1.8, just changed it at 130k.....
The belt isn't the issue so much as the old style tensioner. After changing mine out, I can see why the old tensions was a problem. I feel I got lucky. The new "piston" tensioner looks like a much better design.
So, I think you are safe to wait because you should have the newer tensioner.
JMHO
The belt isn't the issue so much as the old style tensioner. After changing mine out, I can see why the old tensions was a problem. I feel I got lucky. The new "piston" tensioner looks like a much better design.
So, I think you are safe to wait because you should have the newer tensioner.
JMHO
That's good to know (about the tensioner), and would explain why the early failures I read about seemed to be older cars.
My car has 80k on the clock, and the dealer (I called to get a baseline price for the 80k service) said I should think about doing the TB. I figured they were just trying to sell me something I didn't need, but wanted to be sure. If the belt does break the damage should be covered by the warranty up to 100k, as long as it has been inspected at 80k as suggested in the manual.
My car has 80k on the clock, and the dealer (I called to get a baseline price for the 80k service) said I should think about doing the TB. I figured they were just trying to sell me something I didn't need, but wanted to be sure. If the belt does break the damage should be covered by the warranty up to 100k, as long as it has been inspected at 80k as suggested in the manual.
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'I' would NOT wait for that long. I DID NOT wait for that long. Got mine changed at 72K (now at 75K). I have extended warranty upto 100K miles. But did not want to drive a car with rebuilt engine if anything really went wrong, not to mention a week or two without the car. But that is just me.
Just understand that even it it's covered under warranty, you're looking at several weeks of inconvenience while the dealer orders a new head from germany. They'll likely rebuild only the majorly-damaged portions of the engine -- which won't be quite the same as before -- and, you'll lose trade-in/resale value when the time comes.
Especially if you can DIY, why wait over 60k miles? Also, if you're gonna keep the car for 100k miles, why not enjoy that new belt for yourself instead of buying it for the next owner?
Especially if you can DIY, why wait over 60k miles? Also, if you're gonna keep the car for 100k miles, why not enjoy that new belt for yourself instead of buying it for the next owner?
I just got my kit from UPS today, so Im doing both the snub mount and the TB + waterpump probably tomorrow or wednesday.
Got my TB kit from www.bimmerparts.com for 259 shipped. No complaints from me about them.
Got my TB kit from www.bimmerparts.com for 259 shipped. No complaints from me about them.
Here is another one-size-fits-all maintenance schedule which makes no sense. By the time my car hits 105K(city) miles, it will be 12 to 15 years old, and my timing belt, if still intact, will have been through far more than average stress. My personal recommendation is about 7 years or 105K mostly highway miles or 60K mostly urban miles, whichever of the above comes first.
Disclosure: I got a very premature timing belt changeout (4 years, 25K miles) at half price, because it was in conjunction with cam seal and cam chain adjuster replacement. Barring other problems with the engine, I plan to replace this new timing belt in 6 or 7 years, per my recommendation, above.
Disclosure: I got a very premature timing belt changeout (4 years, 25K miles) at half price, because it was in conjunction with cam seal and cam chain adjuster replacement. Barring other problems with the engine, I plan to replace this new timing belt in 6 or 7 years, per my recommendation, above.
It is risky to wait. If the belt slips you are out mucho $$$ for engine overhaul. A rough guide, replacement prices can range ~$400 for belt change only, to $800 for complete package of belts, tensioner and water pump. For DIY the parts kits are here also http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?make=Volkswagen&engine=1.8T&model=Passat%20B5&submodel=FWD&category=Engine&subcategory=Mechanical
I suggest you change your TB between 80k to 90k, and everyone's right about your tensioner being faulty to certain amount of miles. Depending the year of your passat i would suggest following the 80k rule of thumb. If that TB goes, you will be paying more $$$ to fix than just replacing the TB and Tensioner. I would also recomend replacing waterpump, and coolant.baj said:
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My car is a 2002. Bought and been using since November 2001. 3.5 years.baj said:
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i'd highly recommend it at 60k, even if you have warranty on it. it's not worth the downtime.
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I just had a STOP warning last week - "check coolant level" - it was only due to the Mayonnaise in the header tank clogging the coolant sensor - the radiator temp. sensor was always reading at/below 90degrees - but i had a head gasket blow.. (ah - that's why i had power loss and a bit of smoke at 120 on the A555 road then...)baj said:
They took off the cambelt - said it was quite worn and worth changing - I would have done so anyway, especially as they had it off the car. VW had serviced all the way up to 84k and hadn't done the change.
I'm on 99600 or so now, and do about 400 miles a week, so the chance of damage was up there...I have only driven 1mile since collecting it tonight - but i will see how i get on...
540 UKP for both jobs and a tune-up ($986 on 24th May 2005).
Mole.
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