Is there any truth to VWs needing to use OEM serpentine belts or they
will not sit in the pulley grooves correctly and will be noisy?

In article <8ngZg.4828$Z46.2292@trndny05>, cmuhlbauer (AT) verizon (DOT) net
says...
Wow, where'd you get this one? At least on my A3 2.0l, no.

Mark
'95 Jetta GLS

NO! I got a "Gates" on my 99 GLX Passat... and that was 4 years ago.

"Carl Muhlbauer" <cmuhlbauer (AT) verizon (DOT) net> wrote

Mark Randol wrote:

Here is the source website: http://www.vwdepot.com/servicehome.htm
and then click on "few common problems" and you will find:
"BELTS
Have your belts inspected at each oil change-every 3000 miles. All
Volkswagens must use original OEM belts because the grove they ride in
is unique to German autos. They will make noise and wear out prematurely. "

In article <J%AZg.5534$AR6.2823@trndny02>, cmuhlbauer (AT) verizon (DOT) net
says...
Well, two BS points here (at least for mine). Spec'd oil change is 7500
miles (I do it every 5k), and never had a problem with Goodyear or
Gates. Maybe they're talking about the no-name stuff you get at
AutoBoys, CheckZone, etc. I don't get stuff that's a pain to replace or
isn't a wear item at the 'consumer' places, because I've had too many
times I needed to use the Lifetime Warranty. Getting Good Stuff to
begin with has cut the amount of work I have to do on stuff
tremendously.

The rest of their ideas looked ok to me, so it might just be something
they've seen a lot of from owners trying the cheapest junk they could
find. 3k seems to be what mechanics are taught in school, so they'll
always go with that here in the USofA.

Mark
'95 Jetta GLS