Hi David, Petri,

Given the damage that can occur spending US $200 to US $400 seems like
a small price to pay. I am not an expert but I can see myself
changing the belt every at 60,000 miles and then every 40,000 from
then on.

Simon


Petri Rehtonen > wrote in message >...
> On 2004-08-24, David > wrote:
> > So what is the appropriate time to replace the timing belt on a 2000 1.8t
> > quattro?
> >
> > My manual suggests replacing at 120,000 miles. I'm assuming that this is
> > with the improved tensioner. However, I keep seeing reports of early
> > failure, probably/possibly due to the old tensioner. Unfortunately, no one
> > ever states whether the model had the old tensioner or the new "improved
> > version.
>
> Here in Finland the recommended interval is 90000 km. Quite a cap
> between these two intervals :-). I replaced mine before 90000 and
> there was no sign of wear in belt. My speculation is that the
> tensioner is the most common cause of failure. The recommended interval
> in Finland might be explained by the strain of winter time.