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Question: timing belt/water pump replacement for 2004 VW Beetle; mileage 57K

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Julew, 2.0L 4 Cylinder, Houston, TX, January 20, 2011, 08:44
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2004 VW Beetle 2.0L 4A GLS; mileage 57K; Is timing belt/water pump replacement really necessary at this interval? Car is performing great; no dashboard code sensors illuminated. Would it be prudent to wait until 70K?

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    Cliff's Car-Tech (125 Answers) , Houston, TX - (832) 263-2739
    Teri Smith January 20, 2011, 12:31
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    this is a tough question to answer with true accuracy. v.w. states that " belt should be replaced at 60k, no later than 90k " NOT a very clear answer. This is the bottom line, I have seen them break prior to 90k although only 2 or 3 times. the odds are very much in your favor but the risk you take is very pricey. broken t/belt will cause engine damage(90% of the time bent valves = head removal=1500-1900 $) 10% damaged pistons (you don't want to know $). long winded way of saying anything past 60k is a gamble. p.s. if you do have the belt done replace water pump as well as these pumps use a plastic impeller that is a very common failure for v.w. and choose a qualified facility for this repair (christian bros. , mph auto, star tech, or us) as many shops are not familiar w/ german autos. thank you--cliff

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    kmohney, May 21, 2011, 06:32
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    Cliff, I just had my waterpump, thermostat & timing belt replaced at 62,500. I only had the car for exactly 1 week. Is there anyway this could have been a known issue prior to me buying the car? Also, my temperature light is blue when I start the car for the first time in the day. It stays on for a few minutes and then goes away. It did not do this when I first got the car but it did after I had it repaired. Is there an issue?

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