Hey Peter,  I am willing to watch and lend a helping hand.  Perhaps I will learn to do it to my 04 TT when the time comes.

Actually, I already have 52k miles on the car and I will probably do the timingbelt sometime next summer or fall just to be safe.

Previously tom1222 wrote:

Hey Peter,  I am willing to watch and lend a helping hand.  Perhaps I will learn to do it to my 04 TT when the time comes.

Actually, I already have 52k miles on the car and I will probably do the timingbelt sometime next summer or fall just to be safe.

Tom,

Not a problem.  It is all put back together but I haven't started it yet.  I am still changing all fluids, filters, belts etc.  It is not that bad of a job.  A little tricky but it was sort of fun.  I would have no problem giving you a hand. 

Peter

Tom,

I am on the south side if you want to take a look.  I haven't put on any of the engine covers yet but both belts are on.  I put ATE Blue in it yesterday, slave cylinder and brakes.  This week I will drain the tranny and change out the haldex filter and fluid.  I am ordering the tool shortly.

Peter

Previously moroblue2002 wrote:

I talked to the guys at Autohaus Merckle and they seemed to be very reasonable. I would feel very comfortable taking it there. My interpretation is that if you have it open and you are right there you might as well change everything because it is easier to do it once every five years and not worry about it than it is to do each part as it goes and risk a major repair. As to whether it really needs it, that is up for debate. The gamble is if something breaks or leaks or otherwise causes that belt to break you are in for a very expensive repair bill. If it wasn't an interference engine, we would all run them until they broke. I have the Bentley manual and although I know it would be so much easier to take it to Autohaus Merckle, I am challenged by it and would like to see if I can do it on my own. Someone out there MUST have done their own. Was it THAT bad? I am on the south side of Indy and will invite anyone interested to watch the process.

Peter

Yes, I have a 2001 225 and I replaced my timing belt back in August.  I rate this job from 1 to 10 at a 7, but as any good mechanic will tell you, it's more about patience and having the right tools.  If or when I do this again, I would probably be able to do the entire job in about 5 hours, but the first time took about 10.  My TT had about 68k miles when I replaced the belt, and since the seals had no leaks, I didn't replace any seals.  What I didn't expect was the noticeable horsepower gain from the new unstreched belt!

Doug

Agree with Doug. I have a 2001 225 as well. The job took 9 hours, wouldn't take that long again. Changed the belt at 65K miles although the belt manufactures don't recommend going beyond 60K.  I changed everything but the seals  because always use synthetic oil and don't expect the need to replace until next time. Besides, changing the seals on the cam and crank are a real pain but if you decide to, have a powerful air rachet and seal puller handy.