Hey all--I just paid $900 at the Volkswagen dealership to get my timing belt, water pump, rollers, and air pump replaced. Is that a good deal? Also, how does the timing belt replacement relate to performance? I noticed my car was a little faster than before (maybe it's because I was driving another car for 2 days).
It is a VW, so 900 sounds about right. I would've done it myself though, but that's just me. The belt/pump replacement will not change your performance.
Here's my answer, not sure it is right, but right for me. After a certain time, I replace my timing belt. I may not always replace my water pump with my timing belt. Why, the water pump may go for another 100, 000 miles like it did in my last car. I don't see anything you did or replaced that relates to performance. I change things because the maintenance schedule calls for them to be changed. When I pull them off, sometimes they are good and sometimes not so good.
You made a wise decision to have your car timing belt/water pump changed at the dealership as they are major components. I believe the $900 was well spent and will serve you well for many more years of safe driving. Unless the old belt was loose or slipping, thus possibly causing the valves to open at wrong timings, I don't think you will notice any difference in the car performance after the replacement, especially if it was a preventive maintenance at the recommended mileage. But I do believe you will feel some difference in terms of the engine smoother acceleration and responsiveness. The $900 spent can really do wonders sometimes, at least in your mind.
It makes your car not die. It prevents damage to the engine if you either overheat it because your water pump's died, or damage to the valves and lifters if the timing belt breaks. This is exactly the peventive maintenance the car needs to continue providing reliable transportation for you. I've heard some horror stories from people who have neglected to do this maintenance. They often need a whole new engine, or if they're lucky, just a new head for their engine. $4000 later they're fine. So yeah, $900 was a bargain.
