Coming up on 70K miles on my Jetta

About to have to do the 70K miles maintenance on my car. As any of the TDIers out there know this means timing belt time. Also since this is a used car, and though records show maintenance was done on time, I don’t know how well it was done so it’s time to thoroughly go through the car. I’ll probably be taking off the intake manifold and egr valve and doing a good cleaning. Maybe I’ll try to tackle the turbo cleaning too.

As of now I plan on doing this all myself to really get to know my car. This means buying all the special tools VW uses, a timing belt kit with water pump, and some new gaskets. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know of dieselgeek.com and tdiparts.com. I’ll also be supporting one of the sites I’ve learned the most from tdiclub.com and buying the timing belt video. Anything else I’m missing or not thinking of? Thanks everyone.

02
September 12th, 2006 6:46 pm

Sounds like you are in for some fun. I do enjoy your blog BTW and have linked it to my personal one. (let me know if you don’t want it there: http://blog.myarchive.us)
As for advice, the timing belt change is not for the faint of heart as it is not your father’s oldsmobile … or Toyota. There are several extra steps and tools you’ll need so be sure to either watch the Timing Belt Video clip or have someone handy if you get stuck. The VAGcom is a necessary tool after you make the change and by all means get the deluxe kit with the waterpump while you have your car apart. There isn’t a reason to do the intake cleaning at the same time and unless the turbo is questionable I wouldn’t touch it. Just the intake and egr. It takes a Saturday as you’ll want to soak those parts (covering the egr nipple) and then blast it at your local high pressure car wash. A pretty easy job IF you have the right tools. (these are mentioned in the PDF at Fred’s or on the Intake Manifold Cleaning DVD at the CinciTDI link: http://www.cincitdi.com/richc)

Heads up … we just shot the Jetta TDI turbo replacement on Sunday and the cabin filter “how to” clip. I should have them ready this weekend. (now you know more than anyone at the TDIClub about the next clip!) :-)

Love your site … keep it up.

03
September 12th, 2006 8:59 pm

Thanks alot, Rich! Yeah I had seen you linked to my site a few days ago so I put a link back to yours already.

I’m not too worried about doing the work myself I’ve replaced a timing chain on an old Nova before, and though you say it’s different(and I believe you) I figure I just need to take my time. I’ll also watch the video a couple times before I actually do it. I also plan on getting the deluxe tool kit from metalnerd as I do want to have this car for a number of years. Hopefully with all that I’ll be ready.

I’ll be starting to get everything I need in the next few weeks since it’s going to be about a $600 investment at least to start with.

04
September 13th, 2006 11:29 pm

Good luck and keep us posted as to how it goes.

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