I've read quite a bit of the posts here, but not close to all of them so forgive me if I'm repeating something.
I've got a 2002 Golf TDI (ALH) with 160,000 miles on it.
I've done most or all of my own work for the last 6-8 years, including replacing a timing belt on a standard gas car. I've got many standard tools (jack stands, socket sets) and the Bentley manual. I started with the assumption that I could change this myself without much worry, but I saw a post elsewhere saying that if you don't have/know how to use VCDS, you shouldn't be attempting this on your own. Any truth to this?
I'm planning on buying the diesel geek set and renting the metal nerd tools (unless talked out of it).
Couple of questions:
In the ALH timing belt walkthrough, it indicates that you can wait until it's practical to use the VCDS. What exactly happens if you don't tweak using the VCDS and/or how long is practical? Could I make the fixes at my house in CT and drive to OH, where a friend has access to the cable?
About the VCDS, what are the normal thank you's for borrowing one? Haven't had to use it yet, but should I just buck up and buy one as the car's getting older and I'm putting some serious miles on?
Planning on replacing the water pump at the same time: Should I follow "timing belt part 1", "water pump replacement", then "timing belt part 2"? Any adjustments necessary to that plan?
I'll also do regular maintenance (oil change, fuel filter, air filter) at the same time. Are there other things that are convenient to do while the engine is apart?
Sorry for the long post and thanks for any help.
I've got a 2002 Golf TDI (ALH) with 160,000 miles on it.
I've done most or all of my own work for the last 6-8 years, including replacing a timing belt on a standard gas car. I've got many standard tools (jack stands, socket sets) and the Bentley manual. I started with the assumption that I could change this myself without much worry, but I saw a post elsewhere saying that if you don't have/know how to use VCDS, you shouldn't be attempting this on your own. Any truth to this?
I'm planning on buying the diesel geek set and renting the metal nerd tools (unless talked out of it).
Couple of questions:
In the ALH timing belt walkthrough, it indicates that you can wait until it's practical to use the VCDS. What exactly happens if you don't tweak using the VCDS and/or how long is practical? Could I make the fixes at my house in CT and drive to OH, where a friend has access to the cable?
About the VCDS, what are the normal thank you's for borrowing one? Haven't had to use it yet, but should I just buck up and buy one as the car's getting older and I'm putting some serious miles on?
Planning on replacing the water pump at the same time: Should I follow "timing belt part 1", "water pump replacement", then "timing belt part 2"? Any adjustments necessary to that plan?
I'll also do regular maintenance (oil change, fuel filter, air filter) at the same time. Are there other things that are convenient to do while the engine is apart?
Sorry for the long post and thanks for any help.