2004 GTI - 150000k's reccomendations so it doesnt go pop

[elcono]

Afternoon

I recently acquired a hailed-on 2004 GTI. There is full service history up to 125k's (well logbook stamps of work, no invoices)

The issue I am having is that in the logbook the servicing is a bit vague

There is nothing under "recommended repair" for the last 5 services, so it doesn't look like anything has been purposely avoided as such, but my main concern as it everyone's is the timing belt. The service history in the logbook for the last few entries are below. Any clarification on "dependant service" would be appreciated.


32
oil change
dependant service (what is this?)

41
oil change


56
oil change

75
oil change
dependant service

85
oil change
brake fluid

120
oil change
spark plugs
air filter
Control arms replaced

If the timing belt hasn't been done I know its due, but is there anyway to find out if it has been done other than checking for markers on the belt/engine mount?

If I cant find out if it has been done is there anything else you would recommend getting repaired/replaced if it hasn't already been done so at 150000k's?

So Far to be replaced if I cant find out the above

Timing belt kit inc water pump (anywhere in OZ that does these as everyone seems to go ECS, I wouldn't mind a small premium for the sake of being able to return faulty parts)
Wheels bearings? front right wheel has play is it worth doing both?

I have got the car through its safety and last week changed out the oil + filter + coolant flush, I just would like it to be reliable enough and have peace of mind when doing my daily commute

Any help is appreciated

Cheers

[h100vw]

You would probably only get any idea if the belt has been done, if you can find a manufacture date on the pump, hyd tensioner or the roller.

Which obviously means taking them off the car realistically.

You should get it done sharpish, in case it is the original belt.

I never "fix' things that aren't broken. So if it needs a wheel bearing, I'd just do the bad one. Is it the bearing that's bad for sure?

Gavin

Afternoon

I recently acquired a hailed-on 2004 GTI. There is full service history up to 125k's (well logbook stamps of work, no invoices)

The issue I am having is that in the logbook the servicing is a bit vague

There is nothing under "recommended repair" for the last 5 services, so it doesn't look like anything has been purposely avoided as such, but my main concern as it everyone's is the timing belt. The service history in the logbook for the last few entries are below. Any clarification on "dependant service" would be appreciated.


32
oil change
dependant service (what is this?)

41
oil change


56
oil change

75
oil change
dependant service

85
oil change
brake fluid

120
oil change
spark plugs
air filter
Control arms replaced

If the timing belt hasn't been done I know its due, but is there anyway to find out if it has been done other than checking for markers on the belt/engine mount?

If I cant find out if it has been done is there anything else you would recommend getting repaired/replaced if it hasn't already been done so at 150000k's?

So Far to be replaced if I cant find out the above

Timing belt kit inc water pump (anywhere in OZ that does these as everyone seems to go ECS, I wouldn't mind a small premium for the sake of being able to return faulty parts)
Wheels bearings? front right wheel has play is it worth doing both?

I have got the car through its safety and last week changed out the oil + filter + coolant flush, I just would like it to be reliable enough and have peace of mind when doing my daily commute

Any help is appreciated

Cheers

[elcono]

ive done the patented top and bottom wiggle whilst its jacked up and their is a bit of play, maybe 3-4mm. Ive been into VW's since I was little but this is my first (running) VW so im still pretty green tbh

Short of the timing belt/water pump, is their any other major things that would warrant a quick tear down? Is it worth taking the head off to have a quick mosey?

Cheers again, beers in the post

Edit

I enquired about a tune a while back (you responded) and was wondering about turbo longevity. im not after mega power 220-230 ish but I don't like the idea of a ko3s running full chat under load. Is there any issue fitting a ko4 and mapping it at a bit lower boost? Would you expect it to have a better life expectancy?

if its running lower boost and only ever hitting XYZ of its full potential then there should be less stress over time?

[The One]

ive done the patented top and bottom wiggle whilst its jacked up and their is a bit of play, maybe 3-4mm. Ive been into VW's since I was little but this is my first (running) VW so im still pretty green tbh

Short of the timing belt/water pump, is their any other major things that would warrant a quick tear down? Is it worth taking the head off to have a quick mosey?

Cheers again, beers in the post

As Gavin said "Don't fix things if they aren't broke" so don't take the head off, if its okay then just leave it. If you're unsure about the belt, then I'd be just doing it if it was me, max $500 for piece of mind and it's so easy to do.

[elcono]

who hoo

Amazingly the people that previously serviced the car keep records of all work that's done on every car and have a record of the timing belt done at 102K's

Bit of a result, 500 bucks is half what I paid for the car so im glad I dodged it! (for now)

[h100vw]

Belt kit for $500 if you are doing it yourself is money well spent.

You'd be lucky to see those numbers off a K03s even with all the supporting mods.

There's no dramas running any of these turbos hard as long as they controlled with a well tuned ECU. Lack of servicing kills turbos, I wouldn't under use a K04 over a Phase 2 K03s. I assume you are talking about replacing the std turbo?

Gavin

[h100vw]

Bonus, buy lottery tickets and beer.

who hoo

Amazingly the people that previously serviced the car keep records of all work that's done on every car and have a record of the timing belt done at 102K's

Bit of a result, 500 bucks is half what I paid for the car so im glad I dodged it! (for now)

[elcono]

i forgot to say thanks

cheers fellas

[RubAVeeDubDub]

As above - I wouldn't take a gamble with the timing belt. If you can't find clear history of it being done then make it your No.1 priority. VW engines are not cheap to find/buy/repair! It'll give you peace of mind

I wouldn't bother ripping the head off to check anything. You know when you have a failed head gasket or any head problems - the car shows clear signs. Only thing I'd do with the timing belt off is replace the water pump and the tensioner.

As for the wheel being loose vertically - typically this suggests a wheel bearing but it might be the ball joint or even just loose bolts.
I wouldn't be surprised if the bearing was shot at a 150,000km's. But like I said, before you go ahead and buy a bearing - be sure to check that all bolts on the strut, tie-rod and control arm are tight and if the ball joint is showing any signs of failure (split boot, grease, excessive sideways play etc).

If it is the bearing, I'd personally just replace both. From mine and others personal experiences with cars, if one bearing is gone, it won't be long before the other will go too.
Generally though - passenger side bearings tend to wear out first (typically passenger side is where most power goes due to the shorter driveshaft).
It might be worth budgeting for the stub axle as well - I bought a set from Supercheap auto for quite a reasonable price. VW were asking $250 a stub axle for my Bora and SCA were selling Australian made ones (Bearing Wholesalers brand) for $80 each!

[dubster99]

Sounds cheap as mate!