Timing Belt Interval

[WolfgangVW]

Hi all. So quick question. I have a 2003 Jetta TDI. I know the timing belt change interval is 160,000km (100,000mi or so ), OR 5 years. My timing belt was completely redone in November of 2017 so the time interval is approaching, but I only have about 50,000km ( 31,000mi ) or so on the timing belt since then. So any recommendations on if I should be having it done again come the 5 year mark this November?? I have a slight noise from either the serpentine or timing belt not sure which. It's been like -40C here the last bit so maybe that's playing a role. At any rate I plan to have it looked at where I had the timing belt done in 2017. Just wondering any opinion on the low km but approaching 5 years and if I should just get it done as I'm sure that will be the recommendation. Thanks in advance!

 

[Mpaw]

take a look at your cam belt - look for cracks on coating, side contact, fraying and cracks at bottom of teeth.
Other belt is easy to change and cheap - with temperatures like that I would just change it if it's 4-5 years old.
What is your engine code?

 

[oilhammer]

Who said 5 years? I think 10 is more appropriate unless you notice something going on. Which, if you have a noise, it might be. I'd remove the accessory belt and run the engine and see if the noise is still present.

 

[jettawreck]

I've always been way over the five year threshold that seemed to be a common recommendation (reported to be from some of the belt manufacturers). Hasn't been a concern. Belts themselves seldom fail on their own. All that I have bought as project cars had either the tensioner or WP fail and damage/destroy the belt.
Find the noise source and proceeded from there.

 

[Genesis]

Figure out where the noise is coming from. Note that its not just the belt, there are also rollers in there that have bearings, and if one of them fails you're going to have a very bad day.

The noise may well be something in the serpentine belt path -- there's a big roller plus the tensioner on that too. If either of those fails the lockup can break the accessory bracket which is a serious curse-inducing event.

 

[Mongler98]

5 years, 40,000 miles for automatic transmissions and 60,000 miles for manual transmissions was pre 60mm belts. back when your car came out.. they upgraded bearings and belt tech. now its basically 90k to 100K at what everyone seems to agree is up to 10 years.
IMO i still live by the 20% rule on all maintenance on a car i want to keep and have my "peace of mind" hence why i always say 80K at 8 years.
MAKE SURE YOU SUE PROPER PARTS..... saving $10 bucks will NOT be worth it

 

[Diesel Fumes]

Check the tensioner for the serp belt.

Mine was worn out (as they often are). Grab the shock thing and wiggle it back and forth. It should be tight. If it's loose it will cause your serp belt to jump around quite a bit while the engine is running

 

[WolfgangVW]

take a look at your cam belt - look for cracks on coating, side contact, fraying and cracks at bottom of teeth.
Other belt is easy to change and cheap - with temperatures like that I would just change it if it's 4-5 years old.
What is your engine code?

It’s the ALH. Ok thanks !

 

[WolfgangVW]

Who said 5 years? I think 10 is more appropriate unless you notice something going on. Which, if you have a noise, it might be. I'd remove the accessory belt and run the engine and see if the noise is still present.

Hey I’m not sure why I thought 5? I bought it at a dealer back in 2011 I think that’s what they told me. Good call it’s supposed to warm up a bit I’ll try running like that. Thanks oilhammer !

 

[WolfgangVW]

I've always been way over the five year threshold that seemed to be a common recommendation (reported to be from some of the belt manufacturers). Hasn't been a concern. Belts themselves seldom fail on their own. All that I have bought as project cars had either the tensioner or WP fail and damage/destroy the belt.
Find the noise source and proceeded from there.

Figure out where the noise is coming from. Note that its not just the belt, there are also rollers in there that have bearings, and if one of them fails you're going to have a very bad day.

The noise may well be something in the serpentine belt path -- there's a big roller plus the tensioner on that too. If either of those fails the lockup can break the accessory bracket which is a serious curse-inducing event.

Ok thanks. Ya I’ll track down the noise and go from there. Overall good to know that 5 years isn’t necessarily the limit on these. The noise isn’t that bad. It’s actually almost not even noticeable unless you really listen.

 

[WolfgangVW]

5 years, 40,000 miles for automatic transmissions and 60,000 miles for manual transmissions was pre 60mm belts. back when your car came out.. they upgraded bearings and belt tech. now its basically 90k to 100K at what everyone seems to agree is up to 10 years.
IMO i still live by the 20% rule on all maintenance on a car i want to keep and have my "peace of mind" hence why i always say 80K at 8 years.
MAKE SURE YOU SUE PROPER PARTS..... saving $10 bucks will NOT be worth it

Excellent good to know !! I didn’t think about that I guess there’s 20 years of technology since my car was made lo. Thanks !

 

[WolfgangVW]

Check the tensioner for the serp belt.

Mine was worn out (as they often are). Grab the shock thing and wiggle it back and forth. It should be tight. If it's loose it will cause your serp belt to jump around quite a bit while the engine is running

Ok I will check this ! Thanks

 

[Mongler98]

Excellent good to know !! I didn’t think about that I guess there’s 20 years of technology since my car was made lo. Thanks !

The 5 year 80k was from the previous models with the AHU. The ALH is what you have. Look. Dealers dont know Jack squat about these TDIs anymore. They are way to old. Buying OEM parts is about all they are good for if you need them locally now. Otherwise go though a trusted TDI mech on pur list and buy from our known and trusted vendors. Stay away from hans.
The new TB tech came out in 03. These ALH engines came out (in all practical sence) in 98.