When do I need to replace the timing belt in a 2000 VW Jetta?

My 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS has 126,000 miles on it. Just bought it from a local dealer 2 weeks ago and the dealer doesn't know if the previous owner had already replaced the timing belt. Thanks.When do I need to replace the timing belt in a 2000 VW Jetta?You haven't said what engine is in the vehicle; the TDI automatic gets a replacement every 40K, manual transmission gets it at 60k, the 1.8 turbo at 105k as does the v6 motor. The 2.0 NON turbo motor does not have a scheduled replacement, though its generally agreed that either 7 years or 105K is suggested for replacement. You can view the factory schedule at: http://www.bentleypublishers.com/tech/vw鈥?/a> In any case, it is always advisable to replace the tensioners/guides and/or tensioner rollers and water pump at the same time since the belt is off and the access to these items is very easy once the belt is off.



You should have someone remove the upper timing belt/cam belt cover to inspect the belt and the tensioner(s), if the belt has a name other than VW printed on it, (LIKE Gates, Goodyear, Continental,etc. and NO VW name or part number is on the belt, then its been replaced. Still, check the condition of the tensioner if possible and the water pump as well. I've seen a number of these jobs were people have just replaced the timing belt only and passed on the other items! This is foolish, and is likely to cause problems sooner rather than later...



Hope this helps, a car nut.When do I need to replace the timing belt in a 2000 VW Jetta?You can self check the timing belt yourself. I am not sure if the 2000 jetta has a belt cover. In that case it will be much harder to check because you will have to remove this which is not so easy. If it does not you will want to locate the timing belt. You can see how corroded it is by jsut looking at it. If it is brownish or torn or looks weathered at all you can take it to a mechanic for a cheap replacement. The recommended replacement for timing belts is 60-100k miles. Turn the engine on. If you get a whaling sound from the timing belt or a whistle then it is most likely time to change it. If the whaling is from another source...replace your fan belt.When do I need to replace the timing belt in a 2000 VW Jetta?They are suppose to be done every 60 thou. So that means you should have had yours done twice. But you don't know the previous owner of the car. They may never had done it. For the cost of it (which is not much) and the cost to have a shop do it(I don't know that number as I did my own), is it really worth the risk? If you plan on keeping the car for awhile, I would definitely do it because if it snaps, that is the end of that engine. It is toast. The thing is, one cannot tell if the belt is new or old just by looking at it.......so toss it and get it done. Any garage that fixes VW's can do it. The dealership will probably be 3x's the cost. Ask them for a price before you decide. Ask other VW owners for their recommendations of a good shop.When do I need to replace the timing belt in a 2000 VW Jetta?
If you can find no written or documented evidence of it being done then for heavens sake get it done ! A failure can be many many hundres of pounds .....