Timing belt change in Omaha, NE area

[TDI eddie]

I have a 2004 TDI Jetta with 100k on it now and need to do a timing belt change. I've helped Brad (deafbug) do four cars at my house when we had our 2001, but would like to assist someone again.

I called Performance and they want $806 + tax, I was getting 20% off service coupons and could go this way too. The kit is $239, but I wanted to see if others are ready and we could get a few cars done and save some $$$$$

I have basic tools, air compressor, Vag Com and some skills - I just don't want to be in charge and would like someone there that can do the work. We can do the work at my place.

 

[DeafBug]

I can help you. I can make a road trip again. It is not a problem. Just avoid the end of this month as we close on the house.

 

[NETom]

I am new to the TDI club but I dont know when the last time my car had the TB changed, so I would like to do one too. I am in Lincoln. Thomas

 

[jumpn]

Good news for you guys!

 

[aen304]

If you are making a trip I have a 1998 that could use a timing belt.

 

[TDI eddie]

Brad, sounds like we can get a group together and do a few cars at my place again. Let's set this up for August then, I'm in the process of moving and will be out of town most the month of July too.

 

[IARICK]

I will stop by to help and pitch in to have Brad take a look at a quick fix oil leak under my ERG. Look forward to it.

 

[Vhunter]

I don't need a T-belt yet, but would not mind stopping by if I don't have to be at work that day. Would be good to see some TDI'er and chat.

 

[TDI eddie]

Brad, I've been going South for the weekends. How much time do you think we need to get these cars done? Can we start on a Friday morning?

 

[DeafBug]

Give me a full detail on what jobs need to be done on what year/model cars? I can tell you how long it will take. I would definitely need a hand on some jobs as my back is still in pain. I can arrive Thursday evening if that would help.

 

[TDI eddie]

2004 Jetta TDI - timing belt kit - ie:water pump, rollers, belts, cam seal, etc.

Is this still the best place to get the entire kit:

http://www.tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=511

 

[DeafBug]

I always recommend dieselgeek.com as I never had a single issue.

With TDIParts.com, twice (in a row last year) I got the wrong timing belt. So if you want to save a few pennies, go ahead and order it from them but inspect your package when you get it to insure all the correct parts are there. That would give you time to make an exchange if you have the incorrect part.

While you are on the "ordering" mood, think about the filters: air/cabin/fuel/oil

 

[TornadoRed]

2004 Jetta TDI - timing belt kit - ie:water pump, rollers, belts, cam seal, etc.

Is this still the best place to get the entire kit:

http://www.tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=511

The tdiparts.com description doesn't specify what kind of water pump, unfortunately. The Dieselgeek kit description says either a Hepu or Laso water pump with a metal impeller -- Laso is brass, not sure about Hepu. While there is no guarantee that any water pump will last 100k miles or longer, the Laso is reportedly the best and/or most reliable.

I would pay more for a Laso pump, for peace of mind if for no other reason.

 

[BleachedBora]

There is not a LASO pump for the BEW, all the ALH pumps I have though are LASO.
-BB

 

[TornadoRed]

There is not a LASO pump for the BEW, all the ALH pumps I have though are LASO.
-BB

What about the Hepu? Any good?

 

[BleachedBora]

I personally generally stick with Graf for A3/B4 kits as well as BEW/BRM kits, but I have never heard of any issues with Hepu--I'd buy them if perchance my vendors were sold out on Graf.

 

[IARICK]

Brad, do you do timing belts on A5's also? If so I may have someone that would be ready for one when you are in Omaha. I told him I would let him know if you did those also.

 

[DeafBug]

TDI Eddie is a 2004 and that is an A5 engine.

Just want to make it clear. I am not interested in making multiple trips. So I like to make this trip worthwhile satisfying everyone.

 

[Iguana777]

I would also be interested in joining in. I live in Lincoln and drive a 1999 Jetta. I have only had my car a few months and can't find any record of the TB being changed. It has 130,000 miles

My engine is starting to make a loud clicking sound when I turn the air conditioner on. If this is the TB going then I don't know if I can wait until August. I drive to Omaha daily for work. If that's not what it is and I can hold off I will. Any thoughts on the clicking sound?

I might add I am a complete TDI novice and a mediocre mechanic at best so I would really need some assistance and guidance.

 

[aen304]

I have 1998 Jetta with a 1Z engine code. Needs only a timing belt change.
I looked and Dieselgeek has a 19 piece kit for $149. If that is right I will order now.

 

[Losha]

I would be interested in coming over for GTG and help Brad with wrenching. What date you guys planning to have GTG?

 

[TDI eddie]

Not sure on the date - my weekends are pretty busy and would like to try a Friday if possible.

What do you guys think about a group buy on the parts?

 

[hendomatic]

I have 1998 Jetta with a 1Z engine code. Needs only a timing belt change.
I looked and Dieselgeek has a 19 piece kit for $149. If that is right I will order now.

Just in case you were looking for TB procedures.
These procedures look very nice for the A3 and reflect the reality that I have experienced working on A3 TBs.

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a3b4/TDI_timingbelt_remove_mk3.htm

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a3b4/TDI_timingbelt_part2_install.htm


Good luck! I used to live in Omaha in the 80's and 90's. It might be fun to pop up. I'm getting the car ready for a Colorado Trip in Sep.

 

[DeafBug]

Not sure on the date - my weekends are pretty busy and would like to try a Friday if possible.

What do you guys think about a group buy on the parts?

Even though I closed on the house I am still busy living homeless!

I am more likely to postpone this until September. Looking at Sept 12-14 weekend.

If you haven't got the TB kits yet. Ask Eddie to get a discount on them from a group buy. I got details on them but I can't pass it on here (due to forum rules) assuming Eddie got the same info.

 

[tango_28]

I would be interested in going to this GTG. I need a timing belt in a couple of months. I also like help wrench, but I have never done a timing belt job yet.

 

[TDI eddie]

If you haven't got the TB kits yet. Ask Eddie to get a discount on them from a group buy. I got details on them but I can't pass it on here (due to forum rules) assuming Eddie got the same info.

Correct, not sure what changed on the rules - I don't make it on this forum as much as I would like.

Brad I'm at 102k and put on about 900 after a weekend. September can't come soon enough!

 

[Wags TDI]

I'm the A5 that IARick posted about. I'm just rolling over to 89K on my 2005.5 Jetta. So I'm a bit torn as to whether I should change the belt a bit early or wait till spring.

Based on my typical travel schedules, I'll roll to 100K in late December to mid January.

I'm pretty good with my tools as I spent many hours with my dad who works as a mechanic and also teaches for Ford.

Regardless of what I decide, I have a large work shed/garage (54x30) that I'd be willing to share for a TDI work-weekend. It's not air conditioned or insulated, but it does have a nice clean concrete floor and it's well-lit. I also have a large concrete area outside the garage where we could park additional cars, etc. The downside is that i'm in Underwood, IA - so it would be a bit farther to drive for some.

 

[DeafBug]

Brad I'm at 102k and put on about 900 after a weekend. September can't come soon enough!

Well, if majority of the 102K is highway driving. From my experience you are okay. I have seen far worst. Try one at 160K.

I just look at my calendar, the only other weekend I could do is the 29-31st weekend but that is the TDIFest weekend and Labor Day weekend. I generally avoid driving Memorial and Labor Day weekends cuz I can't stand the traffic. Obnoxious drivers that want to go faster tailgating you to move over but the 8mph over driver in front of you is on the fast lane slowly passing 5 mph over driver on the slow lane. And there is way too many of those. It bugs me.

I could come down for the Sept 5-7 weekend but it is my birthday weekend, the 5th. [Edit: I just found a paper that I have an eye dr appt on the 5th. I wouldn't be able to drive with diluted eyes. This appt was made 10 months ago and it was postponed once already to additional 4 months. So I am not changing that appt.] That is why I am looking at the 12-14th weekend.

Again all those weekends are pending as something can come up to change those plans. I have too much on my plate and having trouble getting those issues resolved. Hopefully the storm will calm down by my birthday. That is why I am willing to be stubborned about the 12-14th weekend and pencil that in. Also gives others enough time to plan on attending and/or order the parts.

My brother from D.C. is flying in the 22-24 weekend and my other brother in Atlanta is driving up with his wife also so I like to drive down to my mother's to see them as my mother will be going back to Bama shortly after that weekend. I told them no promises that I can be there as I have priorities. The 15-17th is already reserved before TDI Eddie made his first post. So that is the story of my weekends. (Hello, there! ex-wife )

 

[thedeezel]

Hi, I have an 06 Jetta and am planning on doing the first TB change soon, I have 87k on it and would be interested in joining you, I have lots of previous mechanical experience, I was a John Deere mechanic for several years. I have a kit from deselgeek with the tools, let me know when and where and I will do my best to be there to help out.

 

[Wasch_24]

Hey guys, new member here.

I just purchased a 1985 Jetta GL Turbo Diesel this past weekend.

If this little gathering is still planned I am interested in hanging out/helping.