How hard is it too do this???

[jettaboy]

Does any one know the difficulty of changing a timing belt on a mk4 2.0L jetta! i have changed these on other cars, and I dont want to take it to the dealer, I have read somewhere that you should also replace the water pump and a tensioner or something while you got it torn apart, something like a kit you can buy with everything you need! if anyone has any info I would apprecitate it! thanks in advance

[boschmann]

It's not too difficult on the 2.0, the flywheel marks for TDC can be a bit confusing. I suggest getting a good manual, Bentley makes the best by far. What to replace depends on the mileage, if it's over 100K miles then definitely replace the tensioner & water pump as it will save the hassle of taking the belt off to replace it in 30K-40K miles. Take a good look ot the oil seals too.

[jettaboy]

Thanks! I have around 75,000 on it is that about time to replace, or should I just inspect it??

[boschmann]

Well, I don't believe VW's extended replacement intervals. I've seen a few fail before the 80K inspection. I would replace it now if it were mine. I would go ahead & replace the tensioner too. Just look at the H2O pump, you probably don't need to replace it yet.

[jettaboy]

Thanks boschmann, do you know what the tensioner cost is and belt cost is? and if you know, how much the water pump runs$$??