So I have a 2002 TT 180Q, I have about 82k miles on it. The factory manuel says the belt needs to be checked now, but not replaced until 105k miles. What's the real deal here?

 

The general consensus is that the risk increases once you hit 60K for tensioner, water pump and belt.

The prudent course is to plan on servicing soon.

 

I would change it asap. There was a misprint in some early manuals that said 105k miles. I think the manual was changed around 2004 or 2005 to say 80k or 85k miles. Eitherway, yours is due to change based on time.

Most of the timing belts snap from 85k-90k. When it breaks, your looking at $5k in damage. If I were you, I wouldn't even put 500 more miles on it, but thats just me.

I wouldn't even get it inspected, because all they inspect is the belt. Not the tensioner, waterpump, ect. The tensioner is the most common failed part.

 

I found a great deal on the parts, has anyone done this themselves?

 

A couple times, gets easier every time!
Oh noes! Posted the link to the best timing belt writeup ever, and then checked to make sure its not broken, and the domain is for sale!

Dunno if anyone recognises it by the link, but I always used http://www.amp82.co.uk/tt/timingbelt anyone happen to save that on their computer before it was lost?

 

saved by internet archiving!

http://web.archive.org/web/200805241...tt/timingbelt/

 

Here's another good one:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2840728

 

I took it to a deal and got the 80 service for $900.