Timing belt query....

[gba1968 9]

Hi All,

 

I have a 2002 VR6 4motion, 72k miles, really clean one previous owner and all service/parts receipts etc.

 

When will it need timing belts changed? Is it 100k, or as its over ten years old does it need doing now? How much does this job cost, an where would you have it done (VW main dealer, independent specialist etc.).

 

Any help greatly appreciated, I'm in Leeds, West Yorkshire btw...

 

Regards

 

Greg

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Hi Ben,

 

Welcome along!

 

Firstly, All VR6's used Timing chains

 

VW Stated they never needed to be chained (liars!) Buit recommend any time after 100k, you should be good, unless you can hear some chain noise between 1,000 - 2,000 RPM (Example sound clip here: http://www.vr6oc.com/guides/sound/Chain.wma)

 

From my vast experience I would suggest an independent specialist to do the work, there are various DIY guides on here available should you wish to get your hands dirty!! Would suggest genuine parts from TPS, but with all the guides, chains, runners etc... doesn't work out a cheap job!

 

Labour - its not cheap either, its a big job, gearbox out! and while your at it might as well renew clutch for peace of mind!

 

I've had a lot of work done down @Stealth Racing but its out of the way for you, but can recommend you contact Vince to get a price, but at 72k on the clock I think you will be OK for now, stop worrying and enjoy driving it  

 

you do hear of timing chains snapping but this is very rare and on higher mileage cars, sometimes they become slack / guides & tensioners fail which then leads to jumping a tooth and causing damage etc...

 

Pete

 

 

 

 

[Liam_0404 5]

You can scan it with Vagcom, will say whether the chains have stretched! Link is here
http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?239642-R32-chains-and-tensioners

Saw this below from the same post

If it's an AUE or AQP (pre 2002) you have no worries at all with that engine and I'd be surprised if it needs anything more than a new upper guide rail.

It's only the pre 2005 R32s that are well documented as having the upper chain stretching issue, but technically speaking, the BDE/BDF 4Motions (2002 on) share the same VVT and chain setup as the R32, so if you have one of these engines, I would change the chains anyway to be honest


The fault won't show up on the dash but it may put your car into limp mode, does this on the r32, which reduces power by about 15% I think.
If you have the funds then go for it, if not scan it and/or listen for chain rattle!

[gba1968 9]

Thanks for your help! I had it serviced today (oil change/filters changed/new spark plugs) and its running and sounding fine, so maybe I'll leave it for now...