Timing belt question

JGOOBS85

MEMBER
2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
12,000 MILES

I just bought a 2005 volkswagen jetta I5 last week. I heard the timing belts on these cars are very common to go out. There is no record that it was ever replaced yet. I was just wondering when I should replace it and if there are any signs I can tell if it is starting to go out or not

Thursday, March 8th, 2012 AT 6:48 PM

3 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

When a timing belt lets go on that engine it does serious internal damage so you certainly don't want to wait for it to break or jump. It will be way too late then.

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Thursday, March 8th, 2012 AT 8:16 PM

JGOOBS85

MEMBER
4 POSTS

So would you recommend I change it right now since I dont know of it ever being changed? Are their any signs or symptoms of it starting to go out?

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Thursday, March 8th, 2012 AT 10:44 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

As I already said, when symptoms appears, it's too late and you will probably be buying an engine. With that said, of course it would be smart to change it if you cannot document when it was done last.

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Thursday, March 8th, 2012 AT 10:46 PM