How can I tell if I need a new timing belt?

Question

I have a 99' jetta. I wanted to know what signs give off it being necessary to get a new one. Is it possible to do myself. I do have some car experience. Thanks

Answer 1

On VW's it's tough and hard to get to. But patience and a little manual will go a long way.
You really don't know when you NEED one until it breaks. Rule of thumb I tell my customers it 65-70 K change it for 200 bucks flat rate at my place. will save you the cost of a new engine if it breaks.

Answer 2

Replace them on time, if they cut loose they can trash the engine very badly.

People do do them, but people also replace their shocks and springs and that's not a simple or particularly safe job.

vwvortex.com has extremely active and helpful forums, especially for the Jetta, I'd ask this question there and you'll get an immediate and detailed response from people who have done the job themselves.

I'm not doing my Passat v6 because it requires taking the front end off, more work than I want to do.

Answer 3

There's no 'symptoms'. Change it *now*, then on a regular basis every 50,000 miles or so. Not sure about your Jetta, but some engines just quit without damage after a timing belt failure, other engines self desruct. Cheap insurance. Do it now!

Answer 4

i own a repair shop,and you can pull the top cover off of it and check it for signs of wear ,and cracking,,also if you have over 50 thousand miles on it that you know of its time to replace it,,any thing over that it should be replaced,,good luck i hope this help,s,,,have a good x-mas.

Answer 5

you cant. Its best to get your t-belt changed every 60,000 miles to be safe on some engines if they break they can bend valves, bust holes in the pistons oe worse...