I got a 2005 Golf TDi 1.9 which is on 139k miles , previous owner said it TIMING BELT was changed but lost paper work ,
Just wondering what do i look out for when the timing belt goes weak and needs replacing
And how much would it roughly cost?
Anonymous
recommended replacement interval is every 80000 miles for PD engines( which i think yours is) and 120k for common rail engines
Anonymous
You and the Seller have opposing interests...He WANTS to"GET" WITHOUT SPENDING ANY into it=Maximum Profits for him.
. With computers and printers he can Make up an Official looking piece of paper that looks like some schmo mechanic replaced the timing belt.
You can't trust that.
You the Buyer wants to get the "Newest,best looking car you can for the money you are willing to spend("KEEPING" as much of your money as you possibly can.)= Best deal for you
Totally opposite goals.
The belt may cost $80. As you just bought the car and the previous owner can NOT SUPPLY you with the PROOF....you don't trust a word he says. The car is sold now and he does not CARE. He got the money and now any problem is YOUR problem.
"I" can't tell & YOU can't tell. The engine type is called Interference engine (meaning so long as the timing is correct, the piston comes up "real close to the head" as the valves are timed to be closed at that exact time. If the timing is incorrect, a valve will remain open and the piston hits it hard bending the valve. Once a valve is bent, compression is 0(instead of 400+PSI. In some cases the piston gets a hole in it as well which again gives 0 PSI. Engine will not run without compression. And all 4 cylinders are destroyed almost instantly. Meaning a TOW & a motor job...which costs $2000.00 at least. The car is not worth that being 14 years old.
. The manufacturer of the belt GUARANTEES IT FOR 60,000miles(about 5 years of driving...so whichever comes first...the mileage or the date)
It is $100.approx. (it really does not matter because you need it or NO CAR.) (& some people will take on the wrenching challenge and do it themselves following the directions in the repair manual TO THE LETTER.)
OR they take it to a mechanic friend who does it in his back yard who also has to do it by the manual (but mechanic friend has the tools too so he is able) I am doubting that you have the tools. It is a lot of wrenches...and a shop to work in. It is a couple of hours work...mainly because it is done once every 5 years so I forget steps and got to locate the tools again to do this job. (it's my own car so I don't mind spending the time to do it)
. The dealership mechanics do them regularly so it is done quicker than me. And they own the tool that times the fuel injection and THAT Tool is about $500. so I am close enough for the car to run, I am not spot on for instant starting. I got to take it to them to set up the timing to be perfect.(That is to a "hair") (which I will have checked every second belt) I have over a dozen timing belts in my garage. They have all done the 60,000 mile trip.(OR 5 YEARS) from the same car.
The belts are not chanced as a timing belt anymore, but I may elect to use it on a belt driven carpentry table saw or band saw where if the belt breaks. The saw stops. Just put on another belt and continue on. Or for another purpose that is not CRITICAL if the belt should break.
The car has 139,000 miles on it. Yes I have seen the one belt go up that high or even higher. But after 60,000 miles the BELT MANUFACTURER is not guarantying it anymore so when it breaks(and it will break you are left with the cost of repair. You can't chase anybody for compensation. IT IS YOUR PROBLEM
Leave it and it SNAPS AND THAT IS A motor shot to hell. Maybe $2000 to replace. Maybe more. Your choice. Once the belt has been changed then it is good for 5 years. and then you need to replace again. YOU NEVER WAIT FOR IT TO SNAP. IT DESTROYS THE ENGINE.
Owned VW (older vintage but same engine design)
If I had to guess, MAYBE THE dealership charges $200, maybe $250; but they also check the injector spray and fuel pump pressure and do the timing of the injection pump so it is spot on. So the car runs right.
Seeing the car is 2005 and a car battery has a life of about 5 to 7 years, then there is a good chance that the battery is on its last legs if we take the maximum of 7 years...so if they suggest a battery - know they are not trying to rip you for more money unnecessarily but the battery IS about to DIE. I would not buy my battery from the dealership because their VW stamped battery is easily $100 MORE than you can get elsewhere.
. At least you know about it as they tested it. Or if they ignored the battery, not trying to sell you stuff and it dies a month later, I am telling YOU it is not their fault...it is the normal life of a battery. Battery you can buy at Wal-Mart. I found mine else where for half of WalMart pricing in my town.
The dealership may also suggest a waterpump get changed. It can happen at the same time or LATER as it is NOT related to the timing belt...it is just in the same location (passenger fender) I went through 5 timing belts before the water pump started leaking...so you can avoid that cost for now. It is no harder to do later.
(my town which is not your town) so prices are different
"WORLD WIDE" Web, remember?
Personally I would stop driving the car NOW.
35+YR MECHANIC Drove VW diesels for 20+ years
Anonymous
Get it replaced now for the second time so you can sleep better. $800 up plus parts.
A Hunch
There is nothing to "look for".
The timing belt works one minute and the next it's snapped and the engine is likely damaged beyond repair (you need to replace the engine).
Via a quick google search the timing belt should be replaced every 75,000 miles on this car. Assuming, it was done initially at the proper time, it's about to need it again anyways. I'd start planning for the maintenance.
You are going to have to check with mechanics in your area regarding costs. Probably somewhere between $1000-$1500.
bo
Call him and ask him where it was done then call that shop they'll have the paper work on file