Timing Belt Service

[Wolfgang]

Help!

I need a timing belt service carried out on my Golf, but I am struggling to find a Euro mechanic on the South side of Sydney. I won't use Camden GTI for reasons I won't disclose here, VW Village have said they will use OEM or equivalent, I'm not comfortable with "or equivelent". European Autotech come highly recommended but are over the other side of Sydney.

I work in Chippendale so if anyone knows a mechanic that uses OEM parts anywhere between the Sutherland shire and there will be best. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Umai Naa!!]

OEM-equivilent is basically the same parts just in boxes branded by their respective manufacturers.

Most of us independents buy our parts from the same specialty European parts suppliers, who buy direct from the manufacturers who supply the likes of VW and Audi. The timing belt would probably be Continental or Opti-Belt, pulleys and tensioners would be INA, and the water pump would be SKF, or Hepu. It's all quality gear that does find it's way into VW/Audi-labelled boxes, which you'd get from a dealer anyway.

I personally don't have an issue supplying genuine parts if the customer requests it, but I remain confident that the alternatives I source are definitely up to scratch.

The main issue here is the cost of it, due to the amount of parts involved in doing the job properly. There's two idler pulleys, tensioner pulley, the timing belt itself, plus the water pump and coolant.

[Transporter]

OEM-equivilent is basically the same parts just in boxes branded by their respective manufacturers.

Most of us independents buy our parts from the same specialty European parts suppliers, who buy direct from the manufacturers who supply the likes of VW and Audi. The timing belt would probably be Continental or Opti-Belt, pulleys and tensioners would be INA, and the water pump would be SKF, or Hepu. It's all quality gear that does find it's way into VW/Audi-labelled boxes, which you'd get from a dealer anyway.

I personally don't have an issue supplying genuine parts if the customer requests it, but I remain confident that the alternatives I source are definitely up to scratch.

The main issue here is the cost of it, due to the amount of parts involved in doing the job properly. There's two idler pulleys, tensioner pulley, the timing belt itself, plus the water pump and coolant.

I agree,

the VW Genuine timing belt parts are as Genuine as aftermarket, only in VAG packaging. Every automatic tensioner I've removed was made in Canada and some timing belts were DAYCO brand (Mk5 Golf GTI). I don't see anything wrong with that.

[brad]

Help!

I need a timing belt service carried out on my Golf, but I am struggling to find a Euro mechanic on the South side of Sydney. I won't use Camden GTI for reasons I won't disclose here, VW Village have said they will use OEM or equivalent, I'm not comfortable with "or equivelent". European Autotech come highly recommended but are over the other side of Sydney.

I work in Chippendale so if anyone knows a mechanic that uses OEM parts anywhere between the Sutherland shire and there will be best. Thanks for any suggestions.

Have you had a look at EMD in Taren Point? They are mainly Porsche but do VW/Audi servicing as well. I haven't been in there but noticed them the other day.

Steve Natoli has a mobile service that probably services Chippendale.

I'm not sure if Wolfsburg Motors at St.Peters is still going - I get the feeling the property developers have moved in there.

Agree with the others - OEM equivalent is usually equal or better than OEM.

Edit: try Metro Service Centre in Marrickville (1-3 Edinburgh Rd) The place looks like a dive from a distance but Peter & Stace are very good mechanics. They look after several of my mates BMWs (track-day 135i, M3, M5) but do other makes.

[Wolfgang]

Thanks gents. You have put my mind at ease.

I'll ring VW Village tomorrow as there location works best for me.

[lunchbox]

Help!

I need a timing belt service carried out on my Golf, but I am struggling to find a Euro mechanic on the South side of Sydney. I won't use Camden GTI for reasons I won't disclose here, VW Village have said they will use OEM or equivalent, I'm not comfortable with "or equivelent". European Autotech come highly recommended but are over the other side of Sydney.

I work in Chippendale so if anyone knows a mechanic that uses OEM parts anywhere between the Sutherland shire and there will be best. Thanks for any suggestions.

I use Camden GTI for most things, curious what the issue is. PM me if you'd prefer.

[zoolander]

If you have any issues with VW Village then consider Platinum Automotive care. They have a pick up/drop off service to the city. I'm pretty sure they can offer you that service to chippendale.

[Wolfgang]

Update...

Car has been serviced at VW Village, great customer service and car is feeling great. Happy days.