TIMING BELT KITS
Timing belt failure in any VW 1.8 Turbo engine-whether in a New Beetle, Golf, Jetta or Passat can be an expensive proposition. The 1.8 is an interference-type engine, meaning that if the cam and crank go “out of time” with each other(i.e., the timing belt slips or breaks), the pistons will hit the valves, The best case scenario is that it will cost “only” $1252.00, and that’s if only the valves, lifters and keepers need to be replaced. That doesn’t include the timing belt, tensioner pulley or idler rollers, and if the head or pistons are damaged then the total will be that much higher.
That’s why it’s important that your customer do a complete timing belt job, not just replace the timing belt alone. There are a number of things your customer should be aware of, if they drive.
‘98-99 Passat - Due to higher-than-normal rate of timing belt tensioner failures, VW redesigned the tensioner for the 2000 model year, which also necessitated a slightly longer timing belt. It is extremely important that owners of ‘98-99 Passats update to the later tensioner system. Our complete kit includes the updated tensioner pulley, tensioner damper and timing belt. It also includes other parts that should be replaced when replacing the timing belt, as 99% of the labor to get to these parts has already been done. These parts include: relay roller, camshaft and intermediate shaft oil seals, intermediate shaft o-ring, water pump and heavy -duty gasket, thermostat and o-ring and a new set of serpentine belts.
#SN19845. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$349.95
‘00-01.5 Passat- The updated parts for the ‘98-99 Passat are the stock parts for the ‘00-01.5 models. The same kit listed has all the same replacement parts needed for any ‘00-01.5 Passat timing belt change(or for any ‘98-99 Passat that has already had the update performed). It is important that the customer always replace the timing belt tensioner pulley and relay roller at the same times as the timing belt. Both of these items have bearings inside them, and if the bearing fails, it will cause the timing belt to fail as well. Also, the tensioner damper must be replaced each time the timing belt is changed-if the damper fails and is unable to hold proper tension, the timing belt will become slack, allowing the pistons and valves to collide. Kit includes all the other items listed in the ‘98-99 Passat kit.
#SN19845 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$349.95
‘01.5-05 Passat- VW redesigned the block on ‘01.5 models, eliminating the intermediate shaft, changing the oil pump drive and water pump drive. The water pump is now driven by the timing belt, making it even more critical that the water pump be replaced every time the timing belt is changed. A seized water pump will wipe out the timing belt! This kit includes the timing belt, tensioner pulley, tensioner damper, relay roller, water pump and gasket, thermostat and o-ring, camshaft oil seals and a new set of serpentine belts.
#SN19848. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$329.95
‘98-05 New Beetle, ‘99.5-05 Golf/Jetta- These models have the same block design as the ‘01.5-05 Passat, where the water pump is driven by the timing belt. The kit includes the timing belt, tensioner pulley, tensioner damper, relay roller, water pump and gasket, thermostat and o-ring, camshaft oil seals and a new serpentine belt.
#SN19842 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$349.95
TDI timing belt failures are usually more catastrophic(and more common)than the 1.8 turbo. Diesels have very little piston-to-valve clearance before the belt breaks, so after it breaks, the pistons usually hit the valves with enough force to bend or break the valves, break lifters, ruin the camshaft and quite often will damage the head casting beyond repair. The pistons may also need to be replaced. Sometimes the damage is bad enough that it’s just cheaper to replace the entire engine!
The standard timing belt has a recommended service interval of 60,000 miles. We also carry a heavy-duty belt which is good for 90,000 miles. Our timing belt kits include the relay rollers, tensioner pulley, water pump and of course, the belt itself. All of these items should be replaced every time the timing belt is changed--if any one of these components were to seize up, it would cause the belt to break.
Fits Golf/Jetta ‘99.5-03, Beetle ‘98-03
Standard Belt #SN19820 . . . . . . . . . . . .$334.95
Heavy-Duty Belt #SN20101 . . . . . . . . . . . .$349.95
Earlier TDI’s (‘96-99.5 Jetta and Passat) do not drive the water pump off the timing belt, so the water pump is not included. Also, the only timing belt available is the standard version.
Standard Belt #SN20224 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$119.95
But up to 20 Broken Valves can be expensive!
