Everything you need to know about VW Golf timing belt replacement on 1.8T engine.
The 1.8T 20 valve engine was used in the 2000-2006 VW Golf (US) A4 Platform. The 1.8T 20 valve engine is driven by a timing belt system that links the cylinder head, camshafts, and crankshaft to run in sync. This VW Golf timing belt system consists of a wear-resistant, high strength, corded/molded rubber timing belt (a.k.a. VW Golf toothed belt). There's also an assortment of tensioners and idler rollers to guide and tension the Golf 1.8T timing belt.
It's very important to service your 1.8T 20 valve timing belt. The timing belt, tensioner, and idler components eventually reach the end of their recommended service life. The 1.8T Golf is an interference engine (a.k.a. non-clearance engine). If the Golf 1.8T timing belt fails, the timing belt system that links the cylinder head, camshafts, and crankshaft no longer runs in sync. Close tolerance engine designs allow for the cylinder head valves to hit the top side of the pistons. VW Golf timing belt failure on these engines will result in catastrophic engine damage (i.e. bent valves and in some cases cracked pistons).
This page discusses many different VW timing belt replacement topics, such as:
- What is the recommended timing belt change interval for the VW Golf 1.8T engine?
- What affects the intended life expectancy of timing belt parts?
- How much does it cost to replace the VW Golf timing belt on the 1.8T? How long does it take to change the timing belt on a VW Golf 1.8T?
- Looking to buy a used VW Golf 1.8T and wondering about timing belt replacement?
- What to replace while changing the VW Golf timing belt on the 1.8T engine. Can I just replace the basics?
- Do I need special tools? Can I do it without the tools?
VW Golf Timing Belt Service Change Interval
What is the recommended VW timing belt change interval on the 1.8T 20 valve engine?
The most recent recommend interval is 75,000 miles.
Some older scheduled Maintenance Service booklets reference a 105,000-mile timing belt service schedule interval. However, according to the most current manufacturer service schedule information, the interval has been updated to 75,000 miles.
What does Blauparts recommend? When dealing with crucial timing belt service, err on the side of caution and change your VW Golf timing belt every 75,000 miles. It is our recommendation to closely inspect all timing belt components before the recommended interval. Play it safe, changing your timing belt may seem expensive. However, choosing to exceed your timing belt service interval is risky and can lead to unknown repair costs that will far exceed typical timing belt replacement service costs.
Intended Life-Expectancy of Timing Belt Components
Various VW Golf timing belt component life spans. In our service facility, we've seen a few original timing belts last over 100,000 miles and others ready to break before 75,000 miles. In addition to mileage, other factors age the timing belt and related components. The following are some reasons why you see the difference in how long a VW Golf timing belt and related components last: (1) un-logged engine idle times and sitting in traffic; (2) warm-up time in cold weather; (3) environmental climate factors; (4) related engine maintenance that may have been overlooked.
Keys to the long life of your new timing belt components after timing belt replacement. Make your new parts last! You can expect your new BLAU INA OEM components to last the specified 75,000-mile interval if the following important steps were taken: VW Golf Timing Belt Part Life Expectancy
1) Timing belt service was performed using BLAU INA OEM components. The same timing belt and timing belt tensioner that was fitted on your VW Golf from the factory, engineered to meet the intended interval requirements.
2) Timing belt service was performed by an experienced competent ASE certified VW mechanic who is familiar with your specific engine 1.8T engine.
3) Factory service procedures must be strictly followed. Even if installing the best parts, using improper procedures can shorten their life span. Incorrect installation or missteps during timing belt service are often done without intent and aren't noticed until further down the road. Fortunately, some common mishaps are noticed after re-assembly and during the final engine rotational timing sequences.
VW Golf Timing Belt Replacement Cost for 1.8T Models
How much does it cost to replace the VW Golf timing belt on the 2.0 Turbo FSI? How long does it take to change the timing belt on a VW Golf 2.0 Turbo FSI? How much will the parts cost? How much will the labor cost? Thinking of buying a VW Golf 1.8T and wondering about timing belt replacement?
How Long Does It Take?
How long does it take to replace the VW Golf timing belt on the 1.8 Turbo 20 Valve? The average timing belt service labor time for this engine is around 6-8 hours depending on the technician's experience and the amount of timing belt parts being replaced.
How Much Does It Cost?
The average shop labor rate is $75 - $200 per hour. The lesser amount is often found in smaller cities and the more expensive labor rate seems to align itself with larger cities. Depending on shop rate, technician's experience, and the amount of timing belt parts being replaced it can cost approximately $600-$1,600. This is just the labor cost (not including parts).
How Much Do The Parts Cost?
It depends. Some choose to source the parts themselves, while others get the parts through their repair shop. Some repair shops prefer to supply the parts themselves. This allows for cost margins and potential profits on the parts. Also, they can control the type of parts used, reducing the potential problem of having customers come back with part issues.
You won't have to worry about this with our INA Gen II BLAU VW Golf Timing Belt Kits ranging from $150.00 to $290.00 and include the same quality parts that came on your car, just without the genuine logo. This is a huge savings vs retail dealer cost. Have your mechanic call us!
Looking to Buy A Used VW Golf and Wondering About Timing Belt Replacement?
Many people who are looking to buy a used VW Golf 1.8T valve start researching the cost of replacing the timing belt. It's best to purchase a car that comes with service history records from the previous owner. Owners who value their car and took care of it will have a record of all service history, an indication of the vehicle's overall shape and reliability. The importance of service records is indisputable. A seller without any service records, is looking to take advantage of the "inexperienced" buyer, making more money at their expense.
Inspecting a timing belt that "seems fine" isn't enough. You'll also want to confirm when the last timing belt service was performed with the appropriate documentation. Don't just take the word of a seller saying "Oh, I think I changed it around 30,000 miles ago." Assumptions and no documents mean RISK. Calculate the cost of timing belt replacement into your purchase price if they don't have the records.
Example of Negotiation:
2003 VW Golf 1.8T 20 Valve - 110,000 Miles - Asking Price: $6,500
Buyer: "When was the timing belt done last."
Seller: "Oh, I just did it. I think it was about 30,000 miles ago."
Buyer: "Do you have the paperwork?"
Seller: "No, I don't."
Buyer:"Well with no documentation, I'll have to get it replaced to establish a guarantee baseline. That will cost me around $700-$1,800. Are you willing to take $700-$1,800 off the purchase price?"
What to Replace While Changing the VW Golf Timing Belt on the 1.8T 20 Valve Engine
IMAGE DESCRIPTION The VW Golf 1.8T 20 valve engine's timing belt system is a relatively simple timing belt design. Apart from the timing belt itself the VW Golf 1.8T 20 valve engine's timing belt system consists of 4 serviceable timing belt components. One is the water pump that is driven by the timing belt. Second is the timing belt tensioner. Third is the hydraulic tensioner damper which provides variable hydraulic loaded tension to the timing belt abd lastly is the small idler bearing that mounts to the hydraulic tensioner damper. All of these components work in sync with each other to guide and tension the timing belt.
Before going through the significant work of taking your car apart for timing belt replacement, please consider the following:
Looking To Save Money... "Can I Just Replace the Timing Belt?" Simply changing the VW Golf timing belt isn't enough. Why? Around the timing belt service interval (90,000 - 110,000 miles), due to age the integrity of the tensioner(s), damper, water pump, and other seals and o-rings are at the end or very near the end of their service life. Some individuals make the mistake of only replacing the timing belt. Then, 10,000-20,000 miles later, their new timing belt fails due to tensioner, idler bearing, or water pump failure.
Tensioners
Why replace your VW Golf timing belt tensioner during timing belt service? Just as the timing belt has a designated service life and subsequent change interval, so do the tensioner and idler bearings. It's true that timing belts can get old, begin to crack, and eventually fail. However, it is just as common for the timing belt tensioner and/or idler bearings to fail, thus causing timing belt failure.
How can the tensioner cause a timing belt to fail? Most tensioner bearings contain a set amount of grease behind the seal. This grease provides ample lubrication and ensures tensioner reliability for the designated life span (75,000 miles). During engine operation, constant thermal temperature fluctuations eventually cause the bearing's grease to breakdown and loose it's lubricating properties. Over time, this results in unwanted bearing play and eventual seizure. If a timing belt tensioner has too much play or seizes, the timing belt can become misaligned, or begin to 'burn up' and shred, causing engine failure. Thermal temperatures also affect the timing belt causing the material composition of the belt to change and accelerates it's life span, often resulting in premature failure.
Water Pump
Why replace your VW Golf water pump during timing belt service? It makes sense from a labor standpoint since timing belt dis-assembly is required for water pump replacement. The VW Golf water pump is driven by the timing belt and contains an internal sealed bearing that has a life span similar to the timing belt, tensioner, and idler bearings. The internal bearing and seals of an VW water pump can weaken and is the primary reason why a water pump eventually fails.
Thermostat
Why replace your VW Golf thermostat during timing belt service? The engine temperature is controlled by the thermostat. Near the end of it's designated service life the thermostat spring temper changes. This causes the thermostat to open too much allowing the engine to run cooler, resulting in poor fuel optimization, decreased fuel economy, and less horsepower.
Valve Cover Gaskets & Cam Chain Tensioner Gaskets
Why replace your VW Golf valve cover gaskets and cam chain tensioner gaskets during timing belt service?
Oil leaks are very common on VW Golf 1.8T 20 valve models and are often noticed around 75,000-90,000 miles. Leaking valve cover or cam chain tensioner gasket are the most common, producing a foul burning oil smell in your interior. It makes sense from a labor standpoint to replace them during timing belt service and will save you precious time and hundreds of $$$ of costly labor charges.
Special Tools for VW Golf Timing Belt Replacement 1.8T Models
Please Note: Our timing belt tool rental kits are no longer available for rent. All tool rental kits are available for sale in good used condition in our online catalog.
Do I need special tools? Can I do it without the tools?
When replacing the VW Golf timing belt on my 1.8T model, do I need the special tools? On older single-cam VW engines it is possible to achieve general timing without the special tools. However, on modern interference VW engines this is very risky. Special tools were designed for a reason. They maintain proper timing relationship between the camshafts and the crankshaft position. Slight variations in timing or orientation can result in catastrophic engine damage (e.g. bent valves).
This isn't the area of vehicle maintenance to cut corners or try to save time. On these VW models, in order to achieve 100% proper cam to crankshaft timing, special tools are necessary. When the timing is off just a degree or two the check engine light could appear, and a lack of performance is often noticed. Remember, you're performing a crucial maintenance repair. If done incorrectly, catastrophic engine damage will result.
The VW 1.8T engine has no specific tools to hold the crankshaft and camshaft in an exact place well changing your timing belt. The engine timing marks are referenced by the timing alignment marks placed by the factory. There are some special tools that can make your timing belt service much easier. This would include special tools for counter holding the crankshaft sprocket well loosening and tightening the crankshaft bolt as well as the camshaft sprocket bolt. Other beneficial tools include the cam and crank seal removers, cam and cranks seal installers, radiator valance support tools, eccentric wrench for properly tensioning the timing belt tensioner, and a 2-jaw puller for popping the tapered camshaft sprocket loose.
Basic Descriptions of Essential VW Golf Timing Belt Tools:
3415 - Crankshaft pulley retainer bar.
3036 - Camshaft sprocket holder.
T10020 - Eccentric pulley pin wrench.
NOTE: The following tools are used depending on the depth of VW Golf timing belt service that you're performing and if you've chosen to change the cam or crank seals.
T40001 - Camshaft sprocket puller.
T40098 - Serpentine belt tensioner locking pin.
2085 - Camshaft seal remover tool.
3241/1 - Camshaft seal installer tool.
3203 - Crankshaft seal remover.
3202 - Crankshaft seal installer tool.
