TDI Passat - Timing Belt

MugMugs

Hows things lads ?

Bought my dream machine this time last year.

The Dealer assured me he had replaced the timing belt and Water pump at the time of sale however he told me a lot of other things too and never did them.

Is there any way to tell if the timing belt on a car has actually been changed ?

I am concerned over my high mileage / current funding crisis in the new year and the fact I dont want the car to cough choke and die on me due to my negligence with the timing belt !?

crosstownk

Usually, when a belt is changed the mechanic will sprawl it in Tipp-Ex somewhere under the bonnet. It may be listed in the service schedule. If not, try to locate the last service agent and ask for a copy of the invoice.

Henry Ford III

I hope it has been done, because if it hasn't it's a pricey job on a Passat.

Armin_Tamzarian

Try to get a look at the T-belt.
If it's relatively new it will look fresh.
If it's anyway worn or frayed replace immediately.

The Passat is one of the most awkward cars to change a T-Belt in because you have to remove the whole front section of the car to get at it, bumper, griller, radiator, etc.

If you are getting the T-Belt done you'd be wise to replace all the other belts as well, power steering belt, alternator belt, etc.
As you would have to have the entire front off the car again if any of these needed replacin. They're relatively cheap and shouldn't add much to the cost of replacing the T-Belt.

If a VW / Audi garage repaced the belt then they will have a record of this which can be accessed by them plugging their computer into your car.

tossy

No half decent mechanic will change a timing belt without writing the mileage at which it was changed in tip-ex somewhere underneath the bonnet usually the plastic cover over it.If this guy has proven himself to be dishonest already then don't take it that if its worte in tip-ex that the belt was actually changed!

As was said take a look at the belt if it was changed recently it will look fresh if its worn,frayed or cracked change it pronto.

Ice_Box

when is the timing belt due in a tdi?

Armin_Tamzarian

Personally I'd change it every 60k miles.

MugMugs

Thank you for the responses.....

Brought her into my mechanic today to get the CV joint sorted on the drivers side and possibly sort out my temprature gauge which seems to like waving at me ( especially when wet )

Said it to him about the timing belt and the look of horror that hit his face was unreal.

Not very mechanicaly minded so he said he would take a look at the T belt and tell me the score on if it has been changed but said he wouldnt do it. Said he gave up doing them after he had one a week for four months come through his gates.

Henry Ford III

Go back to the dealer who sold it to you then.

MugMugs

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Go back to the dealer who sold it to you then.

Warrantly expires in 9 days so if it hasnt been changed then I shall darken his door on Monday morning !

crosstownk

MugMugs wrote: »

Warrantly expires in 9 days so if it hasnt been changed then I shall darken his door on Monday morning !

How many miles were on the car when you bought it? If the t/belt wasn't due at that time then there is no obligation on the dealer to change the belt.

However, the CVJ and the temperature gauge problem should be covered.