Problem:  Car hits 100,000 miles. Now what?

Solution Difficulty:  Very Difficult

There are several major maintenance procedures that most cars require in their lifetime. At the forefront of this list would be inspection /changing of the timing belt or chain. Typically it's recommended that you begin checking the belt or chain and accompanying pulleys and gear on a regular basis after your car hits 75,000 miles.

The importance of checking and replacing your timing system cannot be understated. If the engine timing fails it can lead to serious damage of your engine. Likewise, improperly changing the timing system can also damage your engine. This operation is recommended for experience shade tree mechanics with the proper tools and factory service repair information. When in doubt visit your local car care professional.

I've conducted several timing belt changes over the years. Below you'll find a link to two different changes that I've made. The first was done several years go to a '99 VW New Beetle which has a transverse mounted four cylinder engine in which the timing belt accessed via the passenger side of the car. The second procedure was conducted more on a 99 VW Passat in which the timing belt for the longitudinally mounted engine is accessed from the front of the car.

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