Hi Ed I just had my timing belt (tensioner, rollers, cam seals), water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, tensioner, and rollers replaced by a very good independent for $2300 on my 04 with 78K miles. The belt that came off showed no degradation and looked fine but I feel a lot better having it done.
You can actually buy the parts from the VW dealer for about $300; that's a kit with the belt, tensioner, and roller, plus a water pump and thermostat added separately. I've always had good luck with original parts, so that's what I've used.
O.K. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, most water hoses, cap, rotor, rotor, plugs, air and fuel cleaner to start off with.
I had my local mechanic (not a VW specialist) do this on my 1.8T in my Passat not too long ago. The total was around $1100. That included my regular oil and filter change, replacement of timing belt, water pump, timing belt damper, and accessory belts (a/c, power steering and alternator).
got the stock timing belt parts in and replaced the hack job that I had for hte mk1 mount back to all the stock mk4 thicker tdi timing belt - got rid of the 16v style mounts and back to all of the appropriate covers.
Yes six years is the most I truly trust rubber (also for timing belts and tires ). I just had the timing belt on my Passat changed: it had about 75,000 miles, and just under six years (was changed once before after a water pump failure). It actually looks quite good until you bend it and see creases developing.
I've slacked on some maintenance, but did the timing belt and oil changes and I have 131k and still running strong.
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