[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
[Main General Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
VW passat answers Posted by Bill Homer [Email] (#3427) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Bill Homer) on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:08:21 In Reply to: VW passat question? Bill Homer?, Brian, Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:29:24 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
OK, you've now experienced why I and other VW/Audi owners continue to pour time or money into these 4WD cars: they drive wonderfully, and really shine in bad weather. The bodies are sufficiently strong and rust protected, so the cars get worn mechanically before they look really old.
While replacing the timing belt, be sure to replace all belts (timing and accessory drive belts), idler pulleys, tensioner assembly/assemblies, thermostat, both front camshaft seals, front main (crankshaft) seal, and water pump - basically anything that will require access from the front, because it's so time-consuming to get back in again. Since you need to drain some of the antifreeze, it makes sense to do a complete flush and refill with the right fluid (probably G12, although some manufacturers claim that DexCool-type antifreeze is compatible). There is a small doughnut-shaped rubber engine mount on the front of the engine usually referred to as the "snub mount" that wears out and should probably be replaced now, or you will need to do so in the next couple of years.
There may be some other potential leak areas coming due, but they don't require relocating the front of the car. Two in particular:
* Oil cooler O-ring - if you are having the oil and filter changed, it's not a lot of extra work to change out the O-ring located between the oil cooler and the mounting flange, basically need to remove the threaded pipe that the filter screws into. Eventually, these get rock-hard and start leaking, not a good situation for people who don't check their oil levels.
* Camshaft chain tensioners and seals - my 12-valve V6 engine doesn't have these, but I know that they are at the back of the heads on the 30-valve engines, and are subject to much discussion on the Audi boards.
Based on my bad experience with a Graf pump, be sure to quiz the shop on what water pump they plan to use.
posted by 75.21.8...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.