MK4 Buying questions

[Mr Messy]

The service book was drafted years ago, before 1.8Ts started snapping belts. Many 1.8T owners get it done early for piece of mind etc. When I had my water pump done (same time as belt) some impellor blades had already snapped off - I felt more than vindicated doing it early.

The original T belts were also made of a material now deemed inferior. I can't be bothered doing the research again but basically, you've got your head in the sand if you are certain a GTI will go to 120,000 kms on the original belt, water pump etc etc.

[YellowDieselGolf]

The service book was drafted years ago, before 1.8Ts started snapping belts. Many 1.8T owners get it done early for piece of mind etc. When I had my water pump done (same time as belt) some impellor blades had already snapped off - I felt more than vindicated doing it early.

The original T belts were also made of a material now deemed inferior. I can't be bothered doing the research again but basically, you've got your head in the sand if you are certain a GTI will go to 120,000 kms on the original belt, water pump etc etc.

ZOMG, you'd better go tell VW.com. They haven't updated their online service schedule either. I'm not saying that changing the belts early isn't a good idea, but that's why it's listed as an item to check at the earlier services.

[sierra055]

Without trying to be a smartarse, that service schedule doesn't actually specify when the timing belt should be "replaced", but does indicate 60 and 120 for checking. It obviously does specify the V belt be changed at 120 though.