Customers may want to consider replacing the serpentine belt tensioner when performing the Golf timing belt service. This can save on labor cost due to the front of the vehicle needing to be in the timing belt service position for serpentine belt tensioner replacement. Many times the bearing in the pulley will unexpectedly fail due to age and higher mileage. Also in some cases the tension spring can become weak giving the serpentine belt insufficient belt tension. We have seen VW Golf serpentine belt tensioner failure as early 70,000 miles.