Kawayanan
Member
First of all, I wanted to thank everyone here at TDIClub. I have mostly lurked here for a while now, and its been very helpful. The howto's and other info on these forum have helped me through CEL's, glow plug problems, an intake and EGR cleaning, and a bad MAF. For a grad student on a tight budget, you've been an invaluble source of information and help.
I have a 2000 TDI Jetta, and have gotten to the point that I need to do a timing belt change (past the point actually). I have looked through the howto and it looks like a good bit of work. I've done a reasonable amount of work on cars, but am not completely sure I should try this. It seems like it might be a bit much for me alone in my condo's parking lot. Add to that that there are $230+ worth of special tools needed (and a VAG-COM) and it seem a little more out of my reach.
I looked on the trusted mechanic list, and there is only one located anywhere near me (Import Auto Werks, Raleigh, NC 27609). From my experiences with the local dealership, there is now way I will take it there. I assume there are members around my area who have had timing belts replaced. Where did you go, or did you do it yourself? I definitely want it done right and wouldn't want to find out later that some parts were not replaced (tensioner, rollers, water pump, stretch bolts, etc). I can check with Import Auto Werks, but I would also like to have at least one additional shop to contact (or some good reviews from people who have had timing belts done there).
I also saw that you can rent the needed tools from metalman, and might consider that if the having a shop do the work is to expensive. If I want that route, it would be nice to know a local guru who might be willing to help if I got stuck (if they had the timing belt tools I could borrow, that would be even better). I am not sure how I could repay such a guru for their help, but I would be very thankful.
Thanks!
Sean
I have a 2000 TDI Jetta, and have gotten to the point that I need to do a timing belt change (past the point actually). I have looked through the howto and it looks like a good bit of work. I've done a reasonable amount of work on cars, but am not completely sure I should try this. It seems like it might be a bit much for me alone in my condo's parking lot. Add to that that there are $230+ worth of special tools needed (and a VAG-COM) and it seem a little more out of my reach.
I looked on the trusted mechanic list, and there is only one located anywhere near me (Import Auto Werks, Raleigh, NC 27609). From my experiences with the local dealership, there is now way I will take it there. I assume there are members around my area who have had timing belts replaced. Where did you go, or did you do it yourself? I definitely want it done right and wouldn't want to find out later that some parts were not replaced (tensioner, rollers, water pump, stretch bolts, etc). I can check with Import Auto Werks, but I would also like to have at least one additional shop to contact (or some good reviews from people who have had timing belts done there).
I also saw that you can rent the needed tools from metalman, and might consider that if the having a shop do the work is to expensive. If I want that route, it would be nice to know a local guru who might be willing to help if I got stuck (if they had the timing belt tools I could borrow, that would be even better). I am not sure how I could repay such a guru for their help, but I would be very thankful.
Thanks!
Sean