Trusted TDI Mechanics - By State

[jack57]

Trusted TDI Mechanic Northern NJ

First let me say this is a great site, I've learned a lot here as this is my first diesel. After the 3 free oil changes by the dealer, I took my tdi to:

Phil's Foreign Car Service
415 Rt46
Kenvil NJ 07847
973 584-0161

for the 40K service. They knew to use the vag-com to cycle fuel pump after fuel filter change, and had correct 507 oil. Before this car I took my A4 there and they kept it in great shape for 150k mile (until my son totalled the car). Alain (one of the mechanics) drives an 06 tdi, Walter is also great mechanic, everyone there is very friendly and honest.

 

[ahodge1]

Gates, ContiTech, and Dayco are all quality timing belt manufacturers. I don't know about SKF roller/idlers -- the only time I ever had a problem with one was when it was not made by INA. I thought all tensioners were made by Litens.

Too many water pumps with resin impellers fail to last a full 100k miles. I will stick with metal impellers.

I consider SKF as equal, maybe even better quality than INA. At least from my experience of them in oil field equipment.

As far as the plastic impeller versus metal impeller, I have left my comments on the following thread as it is more suited there. Feel free to comment, but I believe I have made my point.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=31984&page=4
Let's not fill up the trusted TDI mechanic thread with a discussion of plastic impeller versus metal impeller.

 

[turborod]

Here is my story out of SoCal from about last January. My 09 JSW went into limp mode. The stealership wanted $3800 to replace the turbo. I went to this site looking for help. I was referred to Matt Phelan from Santa Maria. He said he would do the work in my driveway for about $400 but to give him a call once I got the turbo. I obtained one. From the time the turbo was sent to the arrival time about 5-6 days I called and left messages. I got texts back we were on. Never heard from him again. Now I had to retow it out of my driveway and the JSW went to EF1Motorsports, 2675 Dawson St. Signal Hill. Ca 562 424 3378. He quoted me a replacement price of $650. Fabrizio had it done in 5-6 days. He stated he mistook it for an earlier model and it should of been around $1500 (quotes I got from other site trusted mech.) but he kept his promise to his estimate.
This is what happened to me earlier this year.
Not trying to disrespect anyone here just telling what happened.

 

[Greenie3754]

Updated Trusted Mechanics Page

Is there an updated trusted mechanics page hidden here somewhere? I am looking for a really good lead for timing belts (2003 TDI Jetta Wagon) in the San Francisco area, ideally east bay, but will travel a bit. Thank you

 

[TornadoRed]

Is there an updated trusted mechanics page hidden here somewhere? I am looking for a really good lead for timing belts (2003 TDI Jetta Wagon) in the San Francisco area, ideally east bay, but will travel a bit. Thank you

The link to an updated document is in the top post, and in my signature.

Also, check the West Coast forum, because several times a year there are Bay Area or Sacramento get-togethers (GTG) that include a visit by TDI expert Old Poopie. He travels down from Portland and does as many timing belts as he can schedule in a two- or three-day weekend.

Edit: if you can order a deluxe timing belt kit and get delivery by this coming weekend, here's an opportunity to get a new TB installed and meet a few other TDI owners:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=350754

 

[ymz]

As well, Matt98-AHU travels and does TDI repairs... occasionally he drives to the bay area... http://forums.tdiclub.com/member.php?u=18888

Yuri

 

[tdi98beetle]

Is there anyone in the DC metro who could give me help with my 98 beetle tdi?
Please pm me.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

 

[jasonTDI]

Absolutely nothing wrong with metal water pumps. Just don't buy a cheap one.

Almost ALL pumps start leaking near the end (65%) But the metal ones stay on the shaft and keep pumping coolant. If the bearings fail on either one it's likely death to the engine regardless of the pump material.

 

[Craniumboy]

Agreed! Christian at:
http://www.vdubautohaus.com/
V-DUB Autohaus
20815 H and R Road, Houston, TX
(281) 235-5934

Was recommended to me by another member. I have talked to him quite a bit over several visits and the guy is great! Just had him do a timing belt and water pump yesterday. Definitely a trustworthy and knowledgeable mechanic. Can't say enough about him. He will not sell you something you don't need. I will be going back to him for more scheduled service soon.

i agree! christian is great! i took my TDI there before i purchased it and he inspected it and looked over it and made sure i knew what i was getting into. he asked how i found him and I told him he was on the list and he was surprised to know that. He was a great guy and was very knowledgeable

 

[JRoss]

Two years ago I had Central Valley Volkswagen in Modesto, CA change my glow plugs. This week, with a smog check due and a CEL indicating a bad glow plug, I bought a set and attempted to install them myself. Three were fine but the fourth broke off when I tried to remove it. Upon closer inspection, I found that the glow plug had apparently been inserted cross-threaded and the threads were only inserted ½-way. I contacted the dealership and was really happy to hear that after two years they completely accepted blame and offered to repair the damage at no charge. They also offered to pay the bill if i wanted to take it elsewhere. I am impressed with CVVW's service department and appreciate their commitment to customer service. Yes, the mechanic two years ago screwed up, but the service manager has been there for twenty years and he made it right!

 

[DieselSmoker]

Two years ago I had Central Valley Volkswagen in Modesto, CA change my glow plugs. This week, with a smog check due and a CEL indicating a bad glow plug, I bought a set and attempted to install them myself. Three were fine but the fourth broke off when I tried to remove it. Upon closer inspection, I found that the glow plug had apparently been inserted cross-threaded and the threads were only inserted ½-way. I contacted the dealership and was really happy to hear that after two years they completely accepted blame and offered to repair the damage at no charge. They also offered to pay the bill if i wanted to take it elsewhere. I am impressed with CVVW's service department and appreciate their commitment to customer service. Yes, the mechanic two years ago screwed up, but the service manager has been there for twenty years and he made it right!

Wow, that's amazing. Same thing happened in my mom's '99 E300. She had all work for years done by MB of Sarasota, they did the prior glow plug change, and then they broke the subsequent one off in the head..and made her pay for it, saying that it just happens, and they show in the records last time that they used anti-seize etc. You got lucky!

 

[handsareme]

I can highly recommend Chad Stoughton at Eurotec in Wichita, KS. I can't remember how exactly we found him, most likely through the forum, but since day 4 of owning our 04 Jetta TDi, he's had our full trust.

We most recently had him do an oil change and all around inspection prior to an upcoming large trip and he found an oil and diesel leak down the backside of our engine and happened to have a new tandem pump in the shop that he put in that afternoon. He is honest and won't do the work if it isn't needed or unnecessary. His prices are reasonable. He will take the time to troubleshoot over the phone or via text, or, at least, get it so you can limp the car (if needed!) to his shop.

Chad Stoughton of Eurotec
1107 S West St
Wichita, KS
(316) 250-5900
chadstoughton@att.net

 

[TornadoRed]

Chad@Eurotec is a registered vendor.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/member.php?u=118773

And on the trusted mechanics list.

 

[sylvia]

Miller VW in CT no longer a VW place

I just called the number listed under "Miller VW" (dealer) in Fairfield, CT, and it's no longer Miller VW, it's Miller Nissan. They said they're not a VW place. Just FYI.

 

[TornadoRed]

I just called the number listed under "Miller VW" (dealer) in Fairfield, CT, and it's no longer Miller VW, it's Miller Nissan. They said they're not a VW place. Just FYI.

I just looked at the official listing of recommended mechanics; there are two listed for Connecticut and neither one is a dealership. There should not be any dealerships on the list.

 

[fase2000TDI]

I just looked at the official listing of recommended mechanics; there are two listed for Connecticut and neither one is a dealership. There should not be any dealerships on the list.

I'm 10 minutes from Putnam, CT.. Anyone looking for service in CT I welcome here

 

[ymz]

I just called the number listed under "Miller VW" (dealer) in Fairfield, CT, and it's no longer Miller VW

But at least it's close to a great BBQ joint !!!!


Yuri

 

[BobnOH]

for administrator
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=353488

 

[TrentonTDI]

anyone ever use vwsolutions in New Jersey?

anyone ever use vwsolutions in New Jersey?

http://www.myvwsolutions.com/aboutus.php

"President/Owner of VW Solutions is Steve Stewart. He is a Volkswagen Master Mechanic with 13 years of VW dealership experience, specializing in VW and Audi repairs."

 

[TornadoRed]

anyone ever use vwsolutions in New Jersey?
http://www.myvwsolutions.com/aboutus.php
"President/Owner of VW Solutions is Steve Stewart. He is a Volkswagen Master Mechanic with 13 years of VW dealership experience, specializing in VW and Audi repairs."

"TDI" does not appear on their website.

This thread is for trusted TDI mechanics. Shops like VW Solutions are great for general repairs, but there is no way to tell whether they know a thing about diagnosing TDI-specific problems.

 

[The_Gurb]

Nomination for tdi guru list

Shop info is:
Supreme Diesel & Auto Repair
9502-97st
Sexsmith, Alberta T0H 3C0
1-866-755-3277

Danail Mcleod (Danarm on tdiclub) is a journeyman mechanic, a malone tuning dealer, and is always harping at me (the apprentice) to use the right tools and procedures. He is a TDI enthusiast and a great mechanic. All the other techs at the shop are also great when it comes to diesels as we mostly work on light duty oil field trucks. I would love to see our shop on the TDI guru list especially so i can get more experience working on the car I love.

 

[bhtooefr]

Your customers need to add you to the list, not yourself.

Also, if you're going to market your services on TDIClub, you'll need to register as a vendor: http://www.tdiclub.com/Disclaimer/vendor.html

 

[TornadoRed]

Shop info is:
Supreme Diesel & Auto Repair
9502-97st
Sexsmith, Alberta T0H 3C0
1-866-755-3277

Danail Mcleod (Danarm on tdiclub) is a journeyman mechanic, a malone tuning dealer, and is always harping at me (the apprentice) to use the right tools and procedures. He is a TDI enthusiast and a great mechanic. All the other techs at the shop are also great when it comes to diesels as we mostly work on light duty oil field trucks. I would love to see our shop on the TDI guru list especially so i can get more experience working on the car I love.

I might be wrong, but someone who goes to the trouble of becoming a Malone Tuning dealer probably knows quite a bit about TDI engines. I would tend to trust such a person, however we happen to find out about him and his shop.

Edit: According to his signature, Danarm has three or maybe four TDIs.

 

[bhtooefr]

Yeah, but look at MINION.

 

[TornadoRed]

Also, Sexsmith, next to Grand Prairie, halfway between Nowhere and Boondocks, is about 300 miles NW of Edmonton. I think if someone finds himself in need of TDI service and is somewhere in the vicinity of Supreme Diesel & Auto Repair, he's not going to find anything better.

 

[eshap7]

Success finally. Took car to Matthew at Zantech. Replaced turbo actuator. No limp mode since. Been waiting 100K for this. They took care of a couple of other small things also.

I mentioned a rubbing noise I've noticed on left front for a year since car was tied down in a moving van. 2 dealers and a mechanic told me it's just a bushing or something and would lube it and didn't help much. Told not a safety issue. So Matthew checked it out and replaced a tie-rod end and ball joint--was completely DRY No more noise. Said sure would have been a safety issue if they had separated.

Bottom line--other than oil changes, I'm having all my work done at Zahntech even though it takes 1 3/4 hours to get there.

 

[The_Gurb]

Your customers need to add you to the list, not yourself.

Also, if you're going to market your services on TDIClub, you'll need to register as a vendor: http://www.tdiclub.com/Disclaimer/vendor.html

Again im nominating Danarm. And I do work at the same shop as him. I dont beleive he has gone as far as making himself a vendor. He doesnt own the shop either. He is just a great mechanic and has an exceptional passion for TDI's. If becoming a vendor is all it would take to help get "our" shop on the list im sure i could convince him lol.

 

[JSWTDI09]

Again im nominating Danarm. And I do work at the same shop as him. I dont beleive he has gone as far as making himself a vendor. He doesnt own the shop either. He is just a great mechanic and has an exceptional passion for TDI's. If becoming a vendor is all it would take to help get "our" shop on the list im sure i could convince him lol.

Becoming a "vendor" only allows you (him) to advertise your services here. It has nothing to do with getting onto the "Trusted TDI Mechanics" list. Also (again), it takes multiple recommendations from his customers (not co-workers) to make it onto the list. He may be an excellent TDI mechanic and now his address has been published, so any TDI owners in your area can find him. However, you will have to get several of his satisfied customers to add their recommendation to yours before he "officially" joins the list.

Have Fun!

Don

 

[New01]

Is the any mechanics in the philadelphia area !!!!!!

 

[Cycloneturbohead]

Iowa Mechanic Wanted

I noticed that there are no mechanics listed in Iowa. Does anyone know how I can locate a reputable mechanic other than using the local Dealership I purchased from.

Many thanks!!

CycloneTurboHead