Confused about timing belt interval

[740GLE]

You'd hope so. Still, the number of typographic errors in virtually every VW publication is disappointing.

at least they are consistent!

 

[Lightflyer1]

You'd hope so. Still, the number of typographic errors in virtually every VW publication is disappointing.

It isn't just VW. Almost everything has some errors in it, especially those that have been translated from another initial language. I would think most intelligent people would understand that after changing the oil (among other similar services) every 10k miles, 12 times, that they should continue doing just that. Not just stop changing it forever because the chart ended. Should they start making charts that go to infinity for those too slow to catch on? It is generally understood to keep repeating what you did the first 100k miles for the life of the vehicle. So many people neglect doing any maintenance until something breaks the chart really is useless except to the few who actually maintain their cars anyway.

 

[turbobrick240]

Posting the maintenance schedule was helpful. I was just nitpicking at a minor error. I guess it irks me that they can build a decent car but can't seem to put out a decent owners manual, maintenance schedule, etc.

 

[Lightflyer1]

I think they are decent enough. They are already a small novel that few actually read, based on a lot of questions here. Could they be better? Probably. Is it really necessary? I doubt it. To tell you the truth I can't imagine why they even have a written manual any more. Maybe required by regulation. But having it online with a page or two given as the manual with links in it to everything you could possibly need would seem to be better and less waste of paper. Easier updated and errors corrected as well.

 

[nectarguru]

There really is no excuse for giving the customer a confusing or poorly written maintenance schedule. Not every TDI owner understands the importance of changing the timing belt. Simply writing "The recommended timing belt replacement interval is 130k miles; however, it is also recommended that the belt and components be inspected regularly after 100k miles to avoid premature failure" would save drivers a lot of headaches and money.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Or if dealer service writers told the truth. That would help, too. Maybe we'd hear less about 5,000 mile oil changes, or starters.

 

[Lightflyer1]

Doesn't seem confusing or poorly written to me. It specifically says:

"Timing Belt: Replace" with an X under 130k miles.

Pretty darn explicit. You can have it inspected as much or a little as you care to. More than likely, as has been said, you won't see anything that will tell you a thing about its condition. The rest of the items are very similar and call out when to inspect and or replace.

If people actually took the time to learn anything about their cars needs, the service writers wouldn't have a chance at lying about the requirements. Ignorance costs.

 

[Diesel2005Golf]

Doesn't seem confusing or poorly written to me. It specifically says:

"Timing Belt: Replace" with an X under 130k miles.

Pretty darn explicit. You can have it inspected as much or a little as you care to. More than likely, as has been said, you won't see anything that will tell you a thing about its condition. The rest of the items are very similar and call out when to inspect and or replace.

If people actually took the time to learn anything about their cars needs, the service writers wouldn't have a chance at lying about the requirements. Ignorance costs.

The factory service manual provides a fairly detailed timing belt inspection procedure including how to access it for inspection, width tolerances for your measurement callipers, and other more obvious visual issues like surface cracks or visible kevlar from inner reinforcement belts (replace immediately), tooth length measurement tolerances for calliper measurement, etc. As the belt ages, it will narrow (in fractions of a millimetre) and elongate (in millimetres), hence the importance of precise measurements with a digital calliper if you are going to run it longer than the recommended change interval.

Inspection is not rocket science but it's slightly more complex than a "yeah this looks OK or it looks worn" process like you would apply to tires. Also, mileage numbers for a timing belt are provided like mileage numbers for tire life or brake replacement. To a degree, it will vary with how you drive your vehicle. The mileage numbers any manufacturer provides for a timing belt are obviously going to be very conservative, you may get much more life than what they recommend, but if it breaks your engine is toast.

My advice is to buy the factory service manual if you are going to work on your own car, it will save you hours and hours of work over the life of the vehicle. Almost every process is detailed to a fine degree including torque numbers and idiosyncracies like you can't remove this until you do this and check this. You will especially want one when dealing with electrical issues or more complex troubleshooting.

 

[Lightflyer1]

I am going to replace it when it says to replace it. I will do a quick visual every now and then along the way just to see if there are any obvious issues showing up. I may try extended oil changes but never extended TB replacements.

 

[Nuje]

You'll need TB tools and you'll probably not use them again. In my opinion it's better to have someone experienced at this do the change in case something comes up or fights you in the process. Consequences of a mistake are significant.

Here's a list (from the manual) of the "special tools" required to do the job:

Diesel Injection Pump Locking Pin - 3359-
Counterhold - Camshaft Gear - T10051-
Counterhold - Kit - Multiple Use - T10172- with Camshaft Lock - T10172/11-
Wrench - Tensioning Roller - T10264-
Tensioning Roller Locking Tool - T10265-
Locking Pin - T10492-
Crankshaft Lock - T10490-

How many of those are the same as what we might have from doing older (BEW-BRM) TB jobs? Like, is the crank lock the same? How about the locks camshaft and injection pump?

 

[uberdiesel]

If you want to be safe, do it early. On my previous car, an mk 6 golf tdi, I did the complete timing belt service about 5,000 miles early. Upon inspection, the old belt looked brand new... great shape. But, one of the bearings was as loose as could be. It could have failed at any moment. Fortunately, we caught it before it failed. I call that my $4,000- bearing. Bottom line, be safe. Do it earlier rather than later.