Hi All -- I've been quoted $2800 by two VW dealerships in NJ to replace the timing belt on a 2013 VW Jetta TDI (114,000 miles). A third dealership quoted me $1900. Both of these prices seem very high. Does anyone have any insight here? Why the two different prices, and why are both so high? I know it's a lot of labor, but that much?
TDI timing belt replacement expense
- Thread starter jnc7608
- Start date
AverageAndy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2020
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ
- TDI
- 2013 Passat TDI SEL, 2013 Golf TDI 6MT, 2013 Jetta TDI 6MT (R.I.P.)
Replacing the timing belt is a lot of time and quite a few parts, including the water pump. To do it yourself requires $265-$320 worth of parts, $119-160 worth of specialized tools, coolant, about 4-5hrs and patience. For me, because it was my first time and I didn't have VCDS to purge the fuel system, I also used an indy mobile mechanic ($120) to double check my work. It ended up being under $700 total (my kit is a little more expensive -Passat), so I figure double at a dealer, say $1200-1400 seems about right, but I don't know if rates are higher in NY/NJ. For sure, $2800 is too much.
Thank you very much for your insight. I'm planning a trip to Chicago over the weekend (800 miles each way). I have an appointment at the dealer who quoted $1900 on Friday. I may do that. I don't want to let the car go longer, even though I think the owner's manual recommends a change at 130k miles.
AverageAndy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2020
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ
- TDI
- 2013 Passat TDI SEL, 2013 Golf TDI 6MT, 2013 Jetta TDI 6MT (R.I.P.)
FWIW I did mine at 133K miles. I think others who do it earlier usually have had to replace a leaking water pump and doing the timing belt at the same time makes sense since it is already off.
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Buy the kit and replace everything. Get it right the first time. The general rule is replace everything the belt touches. Maybe more. Be aware of any one time use bolts used. Make sure it is someone who actually know these cars. Good luck!
oilhammer
Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
For $2800, I'll do it twice and hand you change, LOL....
fouillard13
Veteran Member
$2800 should straight up be reported as theft. what a joke.
Took it to the dealership that quoted me $1900 this morning. They're sticking by it. Still probably robbery, but I want to get it done before I leave for a long trip on Sunday. I have a hunch the diesel technician there is experienced. We'll see.... I'm not mechanically inclined myself (obviously). Next time, I'll have a better non-dealer mechanic lined up.
Thank you all for your input, and feel free to keep the advice coming.
Thank you all for your input, and feel free to keep the advice coming.
FWIW, I talked to a dealer in Cleveland yesterday, and they quoted me $2100, and said it would be a day-and-a-half of labor. Maybe the dealers don't have mechanics who know how to work on diesels anymore in addition to being crooks.
jokila
Vendor
For that much money, I will fly there with my tools and do it.
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Again, make sure they are replacing everything in the timing belt path.
thatwhitejsw
Veteran Member
My local Euro shop charged about $1200 when I had it done a few months back. Little shops have less overhead so if you can find one they'll be a lot cheaper
drew_t
Well-known member
The fact that it’s a diesel engine doesn’t really enter into it, for purposes of this job.
It took *me* the equivalent of a day and a half to do mine, and I had never worked on one of these particular engines before, and I took my time. I’m sure the dealer techs, with the benefit of experience, power tools, a lift, etc., can fly through the job.
I do hope you’re making sure that the less expensive dealership is going to replace all of the components that the two more expensive ones were, especially the water pump.
JoeAverage
Member
A friend has a 2006 Jetta TDI. She thinks the timing belt broke. Does that car have a belt or a chain? If it's a belt and broke while driving, how likely is it that valves are bent and/or pistons were damaged? Appreciate any advice.
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Belt and if it broke it is highly likely damage is done.
JoeAverage
Member
Thanks. That's what I thought. Is there a relatively easy way to see if the belt actually broke?
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Just have to look in there. Remove the belt guard. Could be broken or stripped teeth and such.
JoeAverage
Member
Thanks. I do basic stuff on my Hondas/Acuras, but never worked on a VW. I'm sure YouTube can walk me through that. One thing that's universal, if the belt broke and damaged the engine, it's not worth repairing.
Anybody want to buy it?
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Not necessarily. It needs to be checked really before being written off like that. What were the conditions when the belt broke? A fair number of people have recovered from this kind of thing.
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
I am dealing with a 5.3l that has valve damage it seems. It will run again.
pedroYUL
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2011
- Location
- MI, USA
- TDI
- 2015 Passat CVCA; 2015 GSW CRUA; 2012 wagon CJAA; 2004 wagon BEW(brother)
Unless it is a New Beetle (BEW), the 2006 engine code is BRM, single overhead cam, 2 valves per cyl.
Valves would need replacing, but usually that is it. New valves, followers, new camshaft would be good, that's it.
...or:
Complete Cylinder Head (A5 BRM)
Complete cylinder head for A5 Jetta with engine code BRM. This is a complete cylinder head including cam. lifters, and head bolts. Does not include injectors. Made by AMC. Get $100 off a ...
www.idparts.com
JoeAverage
Member
I believe she was just driving it and it died.
JoeAverage
Member
Thanks. But add in the belt, etc you're talking over $2K in parts. For a car with 236K miles, is it worth it?Unless it is a New Beetle (BEW), the 2006 engine code is BRM, single overhead cam, 2 valves per cyl.
Valves would need replacing, but usually that is it. New valves, followers, new camshaft would be good, that's it.
...or:
Complete Cylinder Head (A5 BRM)
Complete cylinder head for A5 Jetta with engine code BRM. This is a complete cylinder head including cam. lifters, and head bolts. Does not include injectors. Made by AMC. Get $100 off a ...www.idparts.com
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Only you can make that choice. A new car will be more than that.
Nevada_TDI
Top Post Dawg
Most TDI's with regular service will run well past 300k or more. Is it paid for, is your insurance reasonable?
Even if you only drove your TDI for two more years; divide $2000.00 by 24 months for example equals $83.00 a month, what else can you drive for $83.00 a month that produces the fuel economy your TDI does?
Even if you only drove your TDI for two more years; divide $2000.00 by 24 months for example equals $83.00 a month, what else can you drive for $83.00 a month that produces the fuel economy your TDI does?
AndyBees
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- May 27, 2003
- Location
- Southeast Kentucky
- TDI
- Silver 2003 Jetta TDI, Silver 2000 Jetta TDI (sold), '84 Vanagon with '02 ALH engine
I'm an old man that COVID has left tired, (fatigued is the word) stiff and slow. I did a complete TB job on a 2012 Jetta this past December. It was the first TDI TB job later than a 2006 that I had done. I was a bit hesitate to do the job. But, it was for a friend. I actually think it was easier than doing a TB job on an ALH.
I did it in about 10 hours from the very beginning to the end.... seems his total bill was about $750 as I did do a few other things to the engine.
I did it in about 10 hours from the very beginning to the end.... seems his total bill was about $750 as I did do a few other things to the engine.
JoeAverage
Member
Thanks. Was that after the belt broke though? Where there might be head/valve damage?