I have a 2003 Jetta with 99600 miles on it. I have heard the timing belt is good for both 100k and 105k. Should I just go ahead and change it now? Is taking it to the dealer for this a bad move? What other maintenance items should I have done then?
Also I hear a squeaking noise coming from the hood when the car is idling when I am outside of it. Could this be related at all to the timing belt or another belt?
Thanks.
Timing belt replacement is also based on time and environmental conditions. The car was probably built in 2002 and this makes it about 9 years old. Six years is about the limit so this job should have been done about 3 years ago.
The squeak could be due to a serpentine accessory belt or tensioner pulley but it could also be caused an accessory part such as a water pump, alternator, or a timing belt tensioner or idler pulley. The timing belt itself will not squeak.
To add to what ok4450 stated–not only will the timing belt not squeak, but it will also give no indications whatsoever of its impending demise. Your engine will be running normally one second, and will essentially be severely damaged goods a milisecond after the timing belt snaps.
Whatever the cost of replacing the timing belt (and water pump, and serpentine belt, and all belt tensioners) might be, once the timing belt snaps you can add about $1,500-2,000 to that price for the engine repairs that will be necessary.
As to price, some new car dealers (Honda dealers come to mind) have very competitive pricing for timing belt replacement. Whether VW dealers are in the same category, I can’t say, but it should be easy to compare the dealer’s price quote with one or more independent VW specialists in your area. Most areas have at least one indy VW specialist, simply because of the reputation for bad customer service at most VW dealerships’ service departments.
Sooner rather than latter. As others said its not due but past due.
Why don’t you follow the instructions in your owner’s manual? That’s what it’s for.