EEEK! timing belts $$$$

[Mitchy G]

ok guys i rang gorells back because i knew something wasnt right. spoke to owen who is head of the service dept. asked him only about timing belts and he told me 800 dollars. which is much more reasonable. didnt quite ask the right question this morning so thats where the confusion came from.

this seems pretty reasonable dosnt it?

[Jmac]

Make sure to check on the water pump though, suppliers are going back to plastic instead of metal. Still even if its a turbo itll be less than the quoted price mate
Shop around and like someone has mentioned most of the parts used even if not from a dealer will be the same or better in a box minus the vw logo.
Always been the way.
Jmac

[Umai Naa!!]

Yes, much more reasonable.

The parts are expensive, but the job itself isn't that labour-intensive. I've smashed them out in just over an hour in the past. Some guys in the USA are doing them in 45mins!

[Jmac]

Just over an hour for what engine??? im sure there was not a torque wrench in sight
Your choice, your name, and "smashing it out" isnt cool. might be when you are an apprentice with a huge dealership backup if it goes tits up, when you are independent as well as making sure its right with minimal comeback you are protecting your name. Stuff ups are taken care of in dealerships no worries seen it a plenty. All i can say is let your conscience be your guide. Works for me.
Jmac

[Umai Naa!!]

Hey, you know exactly what kind of place I work for. But as usual, you're right. While the job was still done correctly (but not to the extant of using a torque wrench), I didn't feel comfortable working at that pace. On average I'm doing them in around two hours, but yeah, gotta deliver on the Circus Advisor's promise. As for the guys in the USA, they're a whole other story. Working on commission for doing the job in the shortest possible time. Some stories involve replacing MK4 water pumps with out pulling the timing belt (or much else off). No thanks.

By the way, it was on a 2.0L MK4. Speaking of which, who makes the water pumps with the steel internals? Have to do one on the Mrs' car.

[Jmac]

Hey, you know exactly what kind of place I work for. But as usual, you're right. While the job was still done correctly (but not to the extant of using a torque wrench), I didn't feel comfortable working at that pace. On average I'm doing them in around two hours, but yeah, gotta deliver on the Circus Advisor's promise. As for the guys in the USA, they're a whole other story. Working on commission for doing the job in the shortest possible time. Some stories involve replacing MK4 water pumps with out pulling the timing belt (or much else off). No thanks.

By the way, it was on a 2.0L MK4. Speaking of which, who makes the water pumps with the steel internals? Have to do one on the Mrs' car.

Ive had a yarn with you already , i know where you are at mate. Not downing you personally, but the dealership thing is pretty poor, and you make it very clear whats going on,and yep spent years in the same enviro, wasnt so bad mind you have to say.Times really have changed. I love the Circus advisor comment that has cracked me up mate We had a workshop foreskin ( foreman) back in the day, ended up being one hahaha. Hey boss its good to see you air it mate and keep anon. Stay that way mate. Pumps you can still get the odd HEPU water pump with metal impellar. Getting scarce now, dont know why.
Cheers
Jmac

[Umai Naa!!]

Cheers, Jmac.

I'll use the company phone and do some ringing around and see what I can dig up

[gareth_oau]

a large chunk of the cost is the parts.

as an alternative, think about getting a belt kit from ECS

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ing_Belt_Kits/

then ask your local mechanical for an 'instal-only' quote