YES I SEARCHED!!!! Ok now that I got that out of the way

I have a 98 1.8t with 143,000 - the paperwork I have says timing belt was replaced at around 76,000. My Question is how long will the second timing belt last. All the info that I could find speaks about the first tensioner being a big problem and having a redesign. How good was the redesign? How much time do I have?

 

The timing belt is not something you should try and delay. It will be very expensive if it breaks.

If I were you, I'd get it done before the 155K mark. The tensioner may be improved, but the belt can still snap.

 

so your saying all I need is a new belt? Or do you still suggest to do all full kit with new water pump? Is the belt alone an easier job than the whole kit or does it involve the same R&R as a full kit? Thanks

 

yes, +1

I would say 80k is reasonable to change both the belt and tensioner.

so, that gives you untill 156k to git-er-done.

 

Do the whole kit. If any of those pullys fails the belt will break. The amount of labor isnt really all that much once you get the belt off. Theres 3 bolts for the waterpump. 2 for the tensioner. And one for each of the pullys.

 

My b5 had like 10 bolts for the water pump impellar. Still not hard though.

 

because of the space required to change the pump or the tensioner its common sense to do the lot in one go and change all the parts ( I personally would never use a timing belt that's been on there even if its only been there a week ) its costs little for peace of mind.

the tensioner was a problem on UK cars but resolved around 1998 by Gates including the timing belt ( materials and better bearings are now used ) so there is a lot of myth in the miles you need to change them and im sure its a cash thing Audi and all other makers have locked on to for profit, im a mechanic so I know what to look for and I check regular