I know timing belts are a mysterious part of any engine as in no one knows exactly how long they will last before they snap. However, does anyone have advice or tips when looking for tell tale signs of when a belt is starting to go. I know that missing teeth or spiders legs are a common sight which my belt is not suffering from. Not that is makes a difference but my belt still looks like it is in good working condition as you can see the manufacture's label, part numbers and other markings fairly clear.

When I bought my car last year, the garage I bought it from said the belt was fairly new. It had just over 140,000 miles on the clock and now it has just over 190,000. The engine is not original as the owner before me blew it up running it with no oil!

Thanks

:-)

After 50k and x years, I'd be thinking about getting it done.

VW dealers are doing it with water pump for £300 at the mo which is very reasonable.

After 50k and x years, I'd be thinking about getting it done.

VW dealers are doing it with water pump for £300 at the mo which is very reasonable.

Is it essential to have the water pump done as well? £300 is great if you have it but my present income makes that difficult :-(

On the TDI engine the water pump is part of the timing belt route and should be changed with the belt. If re-used, the pumps have been known to collapse, allowing the belt to jump the injector pump teeth (if you're lucky) or the camshaft teeth which brings on a state of instant melancholia in the driver. Irish VW garages are doing a full kit (belts, pulleys, tensioners and pump) for €200. A refund of €30-40 will be given on production of a genuine VW pump. Labour should be about €100+

they really are not that bad to do yourself.

2hours should see it completed if you are handy with some spanners and a jack.

worst bit is setting the cam

2 hours? I think that would be pushing it, given the faffing about with wheel arch liner removal, headlight, engine mounts, aux belt, etc.