I have a ways to go before I need to replace timing belt on my '02
jetta TDI. But when I do it at 60k was just wondering what other folks are
paying dealers to replace them. I change my own oil for about $20, but this
I'm going to have a pro do.

My 60K service was quite a bit of money (paid for by the PO, a large
international company with deep pockets... my car used to be a company car,
so it was well maintained service wise)... The timing belt/water
pump/tensioner aspect of the bill was around 500-600 $CND. Don't know if the
water pump HAS to be done... but they chose to opt for it anyways.... The
car at this point got new brakes, new tires, complete fixing of any little
thing that was amiss...... the bill was around 1100 bucks... I'm glad I
didn't have to pay it.
"mike92105" <mike92105 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

Call your dealer and ask for a quote.

"mike92105" <mike92105 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

changed mine on my scirocco years ago... wasn't a big deal as long as you
kept the teeth aligned properly.

If I recall... take white-out (that paper stuff) and mark the current belt
with each gear so that you know exactly how the teeth fit... then remove the
belt without turning any wheels... align the belts, apply white out in the
same spots... put the new belt on with white-out aligned... set tension...

Worked for me and many others... don't know how complex the newer vehicles
are...

Don't skip a tooth though, or she'll act funny..

"mike92105" <mike92105 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

Good idea! I'll do that monday, just curious what the going rate is.
"Woodchuck" <stv_euroski (AT) yahoo (DOT) comXXX> wrote

Every dealer within 50 miles of Nashua, NH is asking $800+ for this job.
It's outrageous. I am going to buy the tools from Metalnerd and do it myself
when the time comes (probably this summer).

--

"mike92105" <mike92105 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote