Rollers Loft+ wrote:
Yes, I have experienced a t-belt failure. Result: seven valves bend.
Repaircosts: 1100 Dollars. But I have to say that it was not a VW, but a
Renault Mégane Scénic (my wives car). It's a french car and I don't like
french cars.

René

Very rear they break may 2% of the time other 98% of the time belt get
loose and need to replace. This came from one of the senior mechanic
who is in this business for all of his life. Other thing to mention
when replacing timing that it should align and adjust really well
otherwise be ready for noisy engine, knockings and vibrations

Hell, yea they break, I broke one in a golf, because the idler froze up. I
smelt burning rubber coming home on the freeway, hoping it might make it,
didn't.car had 80,000 miles on it.. it took two hours to get all the burnt
melted rubber pieces outa there .
"René G." <scigo (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

There is a higher then vw average number of timing belt failures occurring
on TDI engines.My theory is that the TDI injection pump produces
approximately double the fuel pressure of the earlier non tdi diesels.That
means it takes about twice the force to turn the pump, putting twice the
strain on the timing belt. Vw says change the belt every 80,000
miles.[60,000] if its an automatic. Based on what ive seen, every 50,000
seems a safer bet.And don't go to the trouble of changing the belt with out
changing the tensioner too.
<jimbehning (AT) doesthisblockporkmindspring (DOT) com> wrote

I have seen the 16V engines lose a belt at just 45K miles. I also recommend
changing them at 50K miles or 40K miles for peace of mind!



later,
dave
Reminder........
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way,
when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their
shoes. Frieda Norris

Well, I wonder why there is a lot of confusion about VW timing belts, and
the interference engines, and timing belt change intervals. Certainly
following the Vw belt change times is fine, under warranty. If the belt
fails early and many do, its on VW minus your deductible or whatever else
they can get out of you. But,....the difference between 50, or 60, 80,
whatever miles , isn't much. Lets say 300 - 500bucks. If you drive 3000
miles a month, that's 5 months early . it cost you the same 5 months early
or not. And 65,000 verses 50,000 miles over a possible and probable 200,000
mile car comes too......1 extra timing belt change. or $300 bucks over
200,000 miles.Your way saves $300 bucks over 200,000 miles but may cost you
$1500 ,or even the whole car. My way you put on a new belt and idler at
100,000 miles and go to 150,000 miles.Assume 50,000 miles guarantees your
belt wont break , which it doesn't,but is highly likely. And at 60,000
miles, not 65,000 miles, 2% break. Which is documented, by VW, and others
too. But your way, your second one breaks because your idler bearing wore
out at 105,000 miles and trashed the belt. But your first one made it,
because the idler wasn't changed, because the idler wasn't shot yet.But
you're out of warranty now. So your crashed pistons in the valves cost you
1500 bucks minimum, for a new head and all the related labor, minimum,at
less then 130,000 miles, while I'm worry free until 150,000, when I do it
again. You do yours at 195,000 miles if it makes it again. And me at
200,000. And Icall myself lucky or prudent . And not worried about driving
anywhere anytime and not breaking down .Of course if you sell your car
before 150,000 miles the cost is the same,my way or yours, as I wont need a
belt at 150,000 miles, because its now sold. If you sell it at 130,000 miles
you save $300 over me.......Except I forgot about the head change at
105,000 miles, your way ,add on the 1500 bucks for the unnecessary head work
that is out of your pocket , not mine.......for a car you're
selling.......hmmmmmmmmm.
"DonnaSnshn" <donnasnshn (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote