richard hamilton
Member
I apologize if this is already on the forum, but I can't find it. I am just curious if there is a thread for actual data on timing belts breaking. What mileages (and other information) are belts actually breaking?
With a bit of research(ing) you will most likely prove to yourself that the TB itself is usually not the first component in the system to fail (break, shred, etc). Often one of the rollers, the tensioner, or waterpump are first to give out, which destroys the belt. This is why its so important to change all the components in the TB path, unless you like to gamble.I apologize if this is already on the forum, but I can't find it. I am just curious if there is a thread for actual data on timing belts breaking. What mileages (and other information) are belts actually breaking?
Aha! Proof that you can drive to 165,004 miles before replaceing it!165,005 miles
My 2004 passat tdi has about 80,000 miles now, and of course the dealer wants me to do the timing belt now. The book says 100,000, so that's why I am asking.I can only assume that the reason you are asking this is because you either already are (or want to) go over the recommended interval. This is playing russian roulette with your engine. There is no way to know when the belt (or any of the related components) will fail. It could happen 50000 miles after the interval, or 500.
Unless you like the idea of having to spend thousands to fix your engine, it would be best to have it done right and on-time.
Absolutely. In fact the only one that comes to mind is this one: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=253995It's exceedingly rare for it to happen early.
Does this hold true for an '06 Jetta PD? My owners manual specifies 100k miles as the interval. I have not received any smail or email from VW or the dealer stateing it has been lowered to 80k miles.You may know VW reduced the recommendation from 100k to 80k on your car not that long ago.
You should consider these folks before the dealer:My 2004 passat tdi has about 80,000 miles now, and of course the dealer wants me to do the timing belt now. The book says 100,000, so that's why I am asking.
Mine failed last summer at 76k miles and gave no warning whatsoever. This was in my 05 PD JWagen (BEW PD engine).100K absolutely on the PD engine (2006 for you newbies).
Its a very good design and stronger than a chain. As mentioned, the weak link is the water pump. As long as you replace the water pump and rollers at 100K along with the G12 coolant (70/30 ratio) you will NEVER have a failure of the belt.
Also, make sure all the related hardware is replaced since VW uses coated TTY bolts (single use).
You replace EVERYTHING in there that the belt touches every 80/100K miles. And the belt.Are you saying that you could replace the water pump only and leave the old belt in?
...and you ditch the chain only once.You replace EVERYTHING in there that the belt touches every 80/100K miles. And the belt.
I work next toa 230k AHU that went 166k miles on the OEM 60k belt. Nearly 3x the replacement interval. It also had a failed turbo (Likely the reason that the belt lasted that long, it wasn't ever really challenged to get to speed because it couldn't).Aha! Proof that you can drive to 165,004 miles before replaceing it!
Realistically VW looked at the data and factored in some cushion so that they weren't failing under the recomended interval. The longer you go the odds of it failing get higher and higher. The odds of it failing at 80k or whatever they recomend are so low that they said it was statistically an improbablility.
The risk is yours and the car is yours and it's your money. Drive it till it breaks and let us know how long NOT to go.
I replaced the timing belt on my '04 at about 99,600 miles and all was well. I do a lot of rush hour (stop & go) driving too.My 2004 passat tdi has about 80,000 miles now, and of course the dealer wants me to do the timing belt now. The book says 100,000, so that's why I am asking.