Timing belt replacement

[zero97tsi]

Is it as much of a royal pain in the ass as it looks or can it be done decentely painlessly?

I want to replace mine but the view from the top is frightening... almost tempted to go to a shop, but I have very little trust in them.

 

[McFox]

You have to know what your doing. Its best to have a good day set-up for it with a Chiltons/Haynes by your side. Make sure you have all the special tools before you start as well; 3 jaw puller, something to remove the cam gear bolts.

Its definitley not out of the question. Do some searching, some reading, and you'll be all set.

 

[zero97tsi]

Maybe Ill get my grandmas neighbor (a mechanic) to do it so I can watch closely, see whats going on and Ill be able to do it in the future. He'll usually do things for a case of beer for me

 

[terminaltsi]

it's pretty easy as far as t belts go. you actually don't need any special tools as long as you have access to a vice. you'll need it to compress your tensioner unless you are buying a new one (recommended). follow the instructions in the vfaq and prepare to spend a weekend on it. take your time and double check everything and it will be fine.

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

It's not a hard job but it's definitely not easy. I think for the most part it's time consuming and requires the right tools. Just do a lot of research before you start so you know how to get the job done step by step.

Here's a good place to start.
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-2G.html