2.0 tdi - Indication that timing belt is dying?

[li21]

Hi all
My Jetta tdi Has done 98000kms now and still havent go round to doing the timing belt
Will prob do at 100,000km service..

But today I've noticed the idle sounds a bit funny when in slight motion.. Like even more rattling but more irregular than the normal smooth diesel rattle.

Is this any indicator of timing belt failure?

My car has a bluefin remap and it did for a day show with that dreaded emmission garage! Error light but hasnt come back for atleast 2 months

[Transporter]

There are no reliable indications that the timing belt is going to snap. Your Jetta, being 7 years old, hmm... get it done.

[grtuned]

The only thing you will notice is that motor will not run if it's breaks. Take the advise and get it done. It may save you thousands instead of hundreds.

[maxrob200]

Timing belt change is 4 years or approx 100,000km for tdi, although my mech suggest sooner rather than later otherwise $$$ if it breaks

[Umai Naa!!]

It's 7 years, or 105,000klms. Whichever comes first

[jimmej]

Just had mine changed in our 06 Jetta, it was @ 165,000kms! Mechanic said it was full of cracks! BTW, I just bought the car. I would never push my luck with a timing belt!

Interestingly the car had log book servicing at a VW dealer...

[Greg Roles]

Having broken one back in my youth, it's a BIG mess when it goes pop. The huge bang and lockup skid will scare you almost as much as the bill. No way I'd wait 7 years just quietly!

[Transporter]

Interestingly the car had log book servicing at a VW dealer...

To be fair; the dealer can't force people to have it done, since it cost a fair bit of money. I also found that many mechanics don't remind their customers that the timing belt needs replacing.

I always make a record and let the customer to sign, that he/she declined that.

[Umai Naa!!]

^^That.

I've had customers in the past flatly refuse to do certain things, based on cost, their own theories, and witchcraft their neighbour practices.

In the end, the potential for them to lose out is quite high. But you can't spoonfeed everyone.