How often to change timing belt? Looking to buy a 2002, need help.

njcristovao · December 28th, 2007, 19:14

I'm looking to buy a TDI and join the TDI club.

I'll be looking at a Jetta and a Golf tomorrow, both 2002 model years.

My main question is in regard to the timing belt. The Golf had it changed at 60k miles, and the Jetta at 76k miles. What is the recommended interval for changing the timing belt for a 2002 model?

I believe prior to 2003, timing belts had to be changed more often, is that right? Is there anything that can be done to only have to change the timing belt every 100k (?) miles like 2003 and greater models?

Also, what are the main things I should ask, or check in regards to buying a TDI?

Any information would be really appreciated. Thanks.

revkev73 · December 28th, 2007, 19:55

I am a driver of a 2002 Golf TDI and am not a mechanic. I waited 161,000 miles to have mine replaced, along with the water pump, etc. It was WAY too long, obviously. My timing belt had skipped two cogs and was running poorly. I think the new deluxe kit that Jason TDI of Madison, Wisconsin installed from DieselGeek is rated for 100,000 miles.

njcristovao · December 28th, 2007, 19:58

Any idea what the recommended average change is on a standard belt? Every 50k?

paramedick · December 28th, 2007, 20:04

2002 TDIs came with an 80K TB setup. Change with one of the deluxe kits our fine vendors sell to get the 100K setup.

Can't answer about a "standard" belt. There are belts systems with 60, 80, and 100K ratings. These are dependent on belt material and bearing sizes of the rollers used.

AndyBees · December 28th, 2007, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by revkev73

I am a driver of a 2002 Golf TDI and am not a mechanic. I waited 161,000 miles to have mine replaced, along with the water pump, etc. It was WAY too long, obviously. My timing belt had skipped two cogs and was running poorly. I think the new deluxe kit that Jason TDI of Madison, Wisconsin installed from DieselGeek is rated for 100,000 miles.

Just another example that the TB has a pretty good "safety factor" built into the change interval.

Of course, the safety factor would seem to be directly related to the rated milage of the particular TB that is installed. i.e. 40k, 60k, 80k, or 100k.

So, it would seem that those who change their TB "early" to be on the safe side may just be jumping the gun!

revkev73 · December 28th, 2007, 20:18

I am sure a lot of it depends upon how strenuous the miles were, how old the belt is, were there extreme conditions, etc. Mine, at 161,000 was on the outer limits, having slipped one cog before arriving at the shop and another cog while driving it to the motel waiting for parts for the next day. My new one is rated at 100,000 miles but I will change it at 80,000 just to be sure the next time. 50,000 seems like jumping the gun a lot.

JASON TDI just replaced my intake manifold and wow, what a difference. That engine now has the "governor" off of it and it really screams again. There was about a 85% blockage in two places which caused the RPMs to cut out at about 3,200. The blockage occured slowly and my wife usually drives it so it was tougher to detect for me. If I could figure out how to post a picture on this forum I would send it. Any suggestions?

Bob_Fout · December 28th, 2007, 20:20

Seem easiest to use photobucket or flikr, then link to it from here.

revkev73 · December 28th, 2007, 20:24

I don't understand flicker or postbucket. Sorry. The pictures are on an e-mail and I try to copy and to past into this field and it won't do it. Any other help?

The insert image option (above) needs a URL.

Bob_Fout · December 28th, 2007, 20:26

flickr and photobucket are photo/video sharing websites. Once your account is created and photos uploaded, they provide the URL to put into that box.

ymz · December 28th, 2007, 20:49

As stated above, the 2002's have an 80,000 mile rating for the timing belt system... And when the belt's changed, one should also replace the tensioner, 3 idlers, water pump, and a bunch of so-called "stretch" bolts...
Often it's not the belt that gives up but the bearings on one of the other components that fails...

Please go over the "how to buy a used TDI" threads:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=708161
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=75359

You don't say where in CT you are, but there are a few veterans around and you may find it advantageous to have one of them accompany you to inspect the vehicle.

All the best,

Yuri.

revkev73 · December 28th, 2007, 20:56

I have the picture on photobucket but when I paste it into the box for the forum it shows a box with lines and no picture. When I paste it another way all it shows are the URL letters and numbers. I must be stupid but this is driving me nuts.

njcristovao · December 29th, 2007, 05:42

Just post the plain URL here and we'll check it out.

revkev73 · December 29th, 2007, 06:41

http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/h...1228071312.jpg

Here is the photo of the clogged intake. Night and day difference now. The old girl really wants to run with her new air flow, the vacuum leaks fixed, and the rebuilt TB.

captain jack · December 29th, 2007, 20:03

njcristovao
I bought a 2002 jetta w/ auto-trans this past summer with 65k @ $14k. Knew nothing about them. Been lucky, runs great. But follow that Yuri's advise. Make sure you read those "how to buy a used TDI" threads right now before you check out those two 02's.