Newbie first timing belt change

[Dunecruisin]

Just joined the forum and saying hi. I bought an 06 Jetta TDI auto with 150k about a month ago and had the shop put in a new cam but while they were there they didn't do the timing belt So I'm going to do it myself. Should go pretty fast I have read a tone of other members write ups on it in the last few weeks. I have a few questions about this car. Is it true that the auto trans is non servicable? If so how long is the average life span? Also I want to get some new wheels/tires and I'm looking for pics of other cars and their set-ups. I was thinking 18"s or 20"s
Thanks for the great site!

[Ol'Rattler]

Originally Posted by Dunecruisin

Just joined the forum and saying hi. I bought an 06 Jetta TDI auto with 150k about a month ago and had the shop put in a new cam but while they were there they didn't do the timing belt So I'm going to do it myself. Should go pretty fast I have read a tone of other members write ups on it in the last few weeks. I have a few questions about this car. Is it true that the auto trans is non servicable? If so how long is the average life span? Also I want to get some new wheels/tires and I'm looking for pics of other cars and their set-ups. I was thinking 18"s or 20"s
Thanks for the great site!

If your car is an 06, it doesn't have a conventional automatic transmission, it has a DSG (Dual Shift Gearbox) which although it has automatic control is has 2 manual type transmissions in 1 case.

Many dealers will tell you they are lifetime transmissions and require no service. The owners manual states they need to have the fluid changed every 40K miles. If you have no idea when it was changed last, I would have it changed pronto by a shop that actually knows these cars.

In a way these cars are like an exotic sports car in that most shops don't know how to service them correctly and many run of the mill shops may even FUBAR your car.

As far as the timing belt goes, make sure you change all the required parts. Get a quality kit from one of the vendors that are recommended on Fred's TDI Club. Many of those same vendors may even be known on this forum. IDK
The kit should include:

• Timing belt
• Water pump
• Anti-freeze
• Tensioner
• Small roller
• Several Torque to Yield bolts

For the BRM you will also need a crank lock tool and a letter "A" drill bit.

You are correct, it is strange that the shop that changed your cam didn't change the belt. Most likely, they didn't use the lock tools or replace the TTY bolts either. I would stay far away from that shop. They may have set you up for a timing or a motor mount failure in the not to distant future.

Added. The cam bearing cap and rocker shaft bolts are TTY bolts as well. Do you know if they replaced those? If they didn't you will need to change those pronto as well. Frank06 on the TDI Club sells sets of non torque to yield bolts that can be reused and are cheaper than the OEM TTY bolts that are 1 time use.

[chittychittybangbang]

Just to point you in the right direction, http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/m...ge-service.htm here is the article in the FAQ for how to change the transmission fluid. Proper fluid changes have something to do with the lifespan

You can find lots of OEM 18" wheels from other VW that will fit, check out the wheel picture gallery.

[Jano75]

Just doing the timing belt on my '06 Jetta this weekend. This site helped out a lot. Not too bad of a job when you have all the tools that are suggested on the "how to" pages.

Just wanted to say thanks to all that have shared their knowledge.

[mrrogers1]

Originally Posted by Jano75

Just doing the timing belt on my '06 Jetta this weekend. This site helped out a lot. Not too bad of a job when you have all the tools that are suggested on the "how to" pages.

Just wanted to say thanks to all that have shared their knowledge.

I have had my 06 for quite awhile and will be doing the TB this weekend as well. Not sure how I never became a member here before BUT the TB write up looks great.

Question, how long did it take you, approx, and did you do the job yourself? Also, what did you use to support your motor? I have access to a engine hoist so was thinking that should work out.

Thanks in advanced for the tips!

[chittychittybangbang]

Engine hoist will work but keep in mind that if it's a hydraulic engine hoist you MUST MUST use a backup. A hydraulic jack system should never be relied on to hold something up when your fingers are in there. They can fail suddenly. This is why an engine hanger support is shown.

1 day is enough as long as there are no big mistakes/complications. If you have a full shop and have done this a few times it's possible to do it in under 4 hours.

[mrrogers1]

Originally Posted by chittychittybangbang

Engine hoist will work but keep in mind that if it's a hydraulic engine hoist you MUST MUST use a backup. A hydraulic jack system should never be relied on to hold something up when your fingers are in there. They can fail suddenly. This is why an engine hanger support is shown.

1 day is enough as long as there are no big mistakes/complications. If you have a full shop and have done this a few times it's possible to do it in under 4 hours.

Thanks!