Timing belt on '03 Jetta

v8440

v8440

Well-known member
I'm doing the timing belt and water pump on an '03 Volkswagen Jetta. According to the instructions I have, it's possible to remove the passenger side motor mount from the car with the engine installed. I've not found that to be true, but I have hope that eventually I might succeed. Unbolting it only took 40 minutes-it's the actual removal part that really has me stumped. There's simply not enough ROOM to get the goddamn thing OUT. I just wanted to bitch, that is all.
 
Ok, it's done. Never did remove the motor mount bracket-I just worked around the thing. It was the water pump-the PLASTIC impeller was lying in 3 or 4 pieces in the block.

You know, German cars are often touted as being created from superior engineering. That's one of the selling points they try to capitalize on. When you have a plastic water pump impeller, I'm inclined to think you may as well buy a cheap American car. I don't know if cheap American cars have plastic water pump impellers, but even if they do, it would make sense to me to buy cheap domestic and save the money. If you're gonna get fucked from an engineering standpoint you may as well not pay a premium price to do it.
 
The kicker I found with the plastic impeller on those is the replacement comes with the same plastic impeller. Genius!
 
I like VW's use of outdated canister style oil filters like a old tractor. Everyone else has upgraded to a spin on filter 40 years ago.
 
Diplomat_Wagon said:
I like VW's use of outdated canister style oil filters like a old tractor. Everyone else has upgraded to a spin on filter 40 years ago.
Click to expand...

The Crossfire uses a canister filter. Perhaps other Benz engines also do?

Also, if you want a fun timing belt to do, try a PT Cruiser sometime. :doh:
 
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