Anyone planning to change a timing belt?

[nick31]

Hi, I was wondering if there are any DIY enthusiasts or mechanics in the east of England who are planning to change a timing belt and wouldn't mind me coming along to see the process? I've bought a service and repair manual for my VW passat and the instructions are good, but I still feel a little out of my depth. If I could see someone in action it would help a lot. Thanks very much.

[nick31]

I didn't literally mean "stand and watch", of course I would offer to help in any way I could. Also I didn't ask someone to change the belt on my car while I assist because I thought that would be a bit too cheeky of me, but of course if someone was willing to do that I would be very grateful.

[nick31]

Unfortunately it's not a transverse engine, so the timing belt is at the front. it's a front wheel drive car, so I don't no why VW needed to install it this way.
However the service manual does have detailed instructions on how the put the front of the car in the "service position", which will improve access.

[nick31]

227bhp said:

nick31 said:

Unfortunately it's not a transverse engine, so the timing belt is at the front. it's a front wheel drive car, so I don't no why VW needed to install it this way.

Are you sure?

Yes, i'm very sure it's not a transverse engine. It's a 2004 model, you were probably thinking about the later models?
Although if I had a later model that was worth more, there's no way I would attempt to change the timing belt myself. I'm only looking at this option because it's not really worth paying for a professional given the car's low value.

[nick31]

S0 What said:

Shame your not near Herford i do 3 or 4 cam belts a week, going through the job with somone who's done it before IS a great help (thats why shcools have teachers after all) mind you you wouldn't have wanted to be here for the 106 1.5D cam belt, took 2 hours to get the water pump out the frikken block so you would have been on tea or hammer duty for a ages
Passat you dont need to fully remove the front, i made some pins to fit in the holes in the front crash bar to sldie the whole front end forward to give access to the cam belt, it's the way they do it at the dealers and the quickest way IMHO.

3-4 cambelts a week!!? You must be able to do it blindfolded by now.

[nick31]

chryslerben said:

Where abouts are you in the east of England Nick?

West Suffolk, but I don't mind travelling (as long as it's not to the other end of the country) lol