Timing belt time!

hello all. I've got an '02 jetta tdi with 70k miles. it's timing belt time! I'm able to do most of the maintenance on my own but this is actually intimidating me. I've done some extensive reasearch on the subject and it seems pretty complicated. Has anyone here ever changed their own tdi timing belt before? any thoughts, suggestions, comments? Taking it to a dealer just seems like it will cost a lot more than it's worth. According to some manuals that i've read there's some engine lifting involved, again i'm looking for any advice you might have that might make the process go a little easier for me. Any comments are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks! :feedback:

lmao youre not gonna do it...ttrust me just take it 2 a dealer it cost a good deal the belt cost 20 dollars instalations a couple hundred, make sure u replace water pump 2 ive had bad expieriences with the water pumps o vws, they make them from aluminum not metal so it is morew prone to leaks breaks etc.

Engine mount is removed & engine must be supported. There are several fairly expensive tools you need to have.

Engine mount is removed & engine must be supported. There are several fairly expensive tools you need to have.

have you done one before? I know about the engine lift - i have access to one. I have a couple of friends who have timing belt expereince who want to help me out with this one. I'm fully aware of the tools that I need but finding them anywhere discounted or used would be great. Is there a place that you can recommend me getting the vw tools i need for it cheap?

ebay for 100.00

also very important. dont forget to replace the tensioner and tensioner nut/washer and all the 3 rollers!. if you replace just the belt and w-pump its a garuntee that your tensioner will give and you will need a new head by 5k miles.

ebay for 100.00

also very important. dont forget to replace the tensioner and tensioner nut/washer and all the 3 rollers!. if you replace just the belt and w-pump its a garuntee that your tensioner will give and you will need a new head by 5k miles.

so the water pump is a must when replacing the timing belt? I thought i understood it to be a seperate component.

Thanks for all your help guys! It's much appreciated.

Cheapest tools I've seen are at: http://www.dieselgeek.com/jetta_iii_tdi_and_b4_passat_tdi_.php

Water pump is not mandatory, but it should be. When you're right there is the time to do it. Very, very common failure.

Cheapest tools I've seen are at: http://www.dieselgeek.com/jetta_iii_tdi_and_b4_passat_tdi_.php

Water pump is not mandatory, but it should be. When you're right there is the time to do it. Very, very common failure.


Thanks, i've done a little more research and found the tools for around 190 and the waterpump will get changed. Thanks for all your help.

Does anyone in the RI area happen to have the Vag-Com software to tune the car after i do the timing belt change? I would love to borrow it or get a copy of it if I can so i can do this properly. If any one's willing, just let me know. I hope something can be negotiated.

I think the TDI club has a list.

http://www.tdiclub.com/