Whilst doing the timing on my 2002 ASV Tdi I notice this on the belt. It has done 26k in the 3 years since the belt was changed.

The 'stitching' is like flexible thread.

What do you think? Reason to panic or normal?

Thanks

Mark

Edited 6 March, 201115 yr by MarkyD

23.000 and 3 years is okay, but ive never seen a belt look like that!

Plus i dont like the look of the crack in it

I would get it changed to be on the safe side and to be honest if that was my car i would get it done ASAP, youve only got another year left anyway before it needs doing so youve not lost much

WTF!! Don't like the look of that.

that cannot be good looks a bit dodgy, did you change it last or dealer or who????

That looks dodgy as hell mate, change it ASAP!!!

That looks dodgy as hell mate, change it ASAP!!!

Panic it is then!

It was changed before I owned the car.I re-checked the service record and it was 2 years 4 months ago and approx 35k ago.Invoice says In Tune Doncaster.

I was hoping to get the tools together and do it myself but I don't think I am going to wait for a window where no work and good weather coincide. Any good independents near West Wales?

Mark

Edited 7 March, 201115 yr by MarkyD

Panic it is then!

It was changed before I owned the car.I re-checked the service record and it was 2 years 4 months ago and approx 35k ago.Invoice says In Tune Doncaster.

I was hoping to get the tools together and do it myself but I don't think I am going to wait for a window where no work and good weather coincide. Any good independents near West Wales?

Mark

If you wait to do it I would not drive it...That is really bad dam that could let go anytime...Good thing you seen it instead of getting a heafty bill for new engine.

I was hoping to get the tools together and do it myself but I don't think I am going to wait for a window where no work and good weather coincide. Any good independents near West Wales?

About the only non-standard tool you will need is the tensioner tool. Or and small hands

That is perfectly normal mate. Every pd belt is like that. They have to be joined somewhere after all. I'll get you a pic of a new one of you want

That is perfectly normal mate. Every pd belt is like that. They have to be joined somewhere after all. I'll get you a pic of a new one of you want

Infact I probably have the old belt I took off last time I did a belt change down the garage ('cause I can't throw anything out). If I get a chance I'll dig it out.

we are doing one today so i'll get some pics too. nothing to worry about as I said thats how they are made not a failure so I would just check its tensioned correctly and put the cover back on

VAG describes the 'stitching' as 'artifacts of the manufacturing process'.

VAG describes the 'stitching' as 'artifacts of the manufacturing process'.

Thanks everyone. I must admit I had a sleepless night knowing I had to use it for work in the morning. So the stitching is normal. Is the crack only surface deep then and present on new belts? Yes I would be interested to see pictures if anyone has the time to post them. Given the time I should be able to do it myself with tensioner and water pump. Happy to buy any tools that make the job easier but nice to know it can be done with minimum. I have good write- ups from TdiClub Forum and manuals on the PC. Using Linux so will have to get Windows up and running again to load them on.

Incidentally I rung up a few places to get it done. www.audivwbridgend.co.uk £320 everything including water pump. Bit far away so tried Sinclair VW Neyland £399

Mark