2007 VW Jetta TDI Timing Belt

[oldhamfan]

Good morning all.

A glance at my service manual seems to show that my car doesn't need a replacement timing belt until 120,000 miles, with no 'or xxx years' listed. This seems awfully long, is that right?

I checked as it is coming up to 4 years old and has 37000 miles. I always have my car serviced early but don't want to waste money in these hard times if it will be good for another 60,000 at least.

Thanks in advance.

[oldhamfan]

I hasten to add for info it is a 2007 (57) 1.9 TDI PD (105PS).

[chas2008]

quite common these days for 100,000 +

[mjwman]

The Octavia has a similar engine and that has a belt change schedule at 5 years.
It must be done as a snap will result in a marriage of pistons and valves and will cost you dearly!

[oldhamfan]

Thanks for answers so far, I know what happens when it snaps which obviously I want to avoid but I also want to avoid changing it at 40,000 if this is 80,000 too early.

There is no time interval specified in the manual, some forums say this is because the diesel has a very strong thick belt.

I will probably change it at 5 yrs / 60,000 if it is safe to do so but just wanted to check.

[derekpara]

Are you sure it has a belt and not a chain ?

Just asking, as a lot of diesels have chains.

[Graham-W]

My Skoda Superb has the same engine but mine is 130bhp.
The advised cambelt change on mine is 60,000 miles.

[TWR]

Never take belts for granted Old, you would be in one hell of a mess leaving the change until the manufacture advice, the belt get a lot of hammer of the period of an year especially the heavy derv unit, for the cost of a belt /Tension er change to the cost of the Valves hitting the pistons + what other damage that can occur, I know what direction I would chose, but at the end on the day its up to you & your finances.