Q&A

 Master

I see in the workshop manual VW show 5 or 6 special tools needed to replace cam seal and time diesel pump. Labor guide says 4 hours to replace T/Belt add time to replace cam and crank seal and or replacing water pump as preventative maintenance. (these operations would add another hour).

 Rookie

YES IT IS VERY NECESSARY... I DONT THINK THE DEALERS PRESS THIS ENOUGH BUT ITS EASIER TO GET THIS DONE BEFORE IT POPS BECAUSE IF IT POPS UR GOING TO BE PAYING FOR WAY MORE THAN A TIMING BELT. DEPENDING ON THE YEAR IF IT POPS IT MAY BE BEST FOR U TO BUY A NEW CAR NOT TO MENTION IF IT POPS U CANT DRIVE IT SO IT WILL HAVE TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT IS STRONGLY RECCOMMENDED TO GET IT CHANGED AT 100,000. SO BE SAFE AND I PAID ABOUT 400-500 AT THE DEALER YOU WILL DO BETTER GOING TO LIKE FIRESTONE WAY CHEAPER AND GREAT SERVICE. COMPARE PRICES TO FIRESTONE/ VW DEALER/ OR A PLACE THAT SPECIALIZES IN VW. NO OFF BRAND DEALER B-CUZ USUALLY REGULAR PLACES TREAT IT LIKE A LOW MAINTENANCE CAR AND IM SURE IF YOU TAKE IT TO ANYONE ELSE U WILL HAVE MORE PROBLEM FOLLOWING THIS EASY TIMING BELT ISSUE. AND I REECOMMEND YOU ASK IF THERE IS ANY THING ELSE THAT THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDS SHOULD BE DONE THEN GET A 2ND OPINION. AND COME BACK FOR MORE FEEDBACK..

Yes, you should replace the timing belt, especially at the mileage you listed. It should really be done every 100,000 miles because it if breaks, like the guy above me said, it will cost MUCH MORE to fix because of possible internal damage. I have a 2003 Jetta that just hit 100,000 and I replaced mine. It cost about $400 and that was with a water pump replacement as well. It is highly recommended that you replace the water pump at the same time because the timing belt runs the pump.