Golf GTD scheduled service

[jetpacjimmy]

Hello, I need a bit of help...I've owned my Golf 1.6 GTD for a couple of months now, so far it's doing me proud...sits on the motorway at 70ish nicely and apart from the noisy wheel bearings it's sweet as a nut.  Now, at the end of the month I'm driving up to Scotland with it, I want to make sure it's in A1 condition.  I've done about 3000 miles in it so far (156 thou in total) I would now like to change the oil, diesel and air filters and any other bits and pieces that should be changed at this sort of service interval.  Again, I've got no idea where to start, I've done oil and filter changes on my MGB but this is a whole different kettle of fish and I need some sort of step by step guide to get me through a VW diesel service.  Any web sites, cheap publications I should look for?  Am I going to need to bite the bullet and buy a Bentleys?  Is it worth investing in a fancy air filter for a few extra bhps?

Cheers for any help you can give

jP

[vwmike]

First off, do you know when the timing belt was last changed? It's one of those critical maintenance items that a lot of people seem to forget, but can be catastrophic if it's overlooked. Otherwise, for service, diesels aren't very demanding. Replacing the water seperator (fuel filter) and the air filter along with an oil and filter change are about all you can really do for maintenance. Sure, there are always other things you can change, but most everything is pretty solid. Be sure to check all your coolant hoses to make sure that none are soft and/or leaking.

[srivett]

Tighten down your front axles to see if that will quiet down your bearings.  I just had both of them wear out on my car.  They started moaning 4000 km ago and the end result was one worn out wheel hub.  It slid out of the bearing whereas it should have been an interference fit.  The only other non-engine related thing I can think of are the brakes.  Over the last year my brother has had all of his lines pop on his '89 with 300K km.  If his mechanic was smarter they would have changed all the lines when the first one popped.  My car has all new front lines and mastercylinder.  The rear lines are next.

Anyway, there isn't much to worry with the body.  The engine compartment is where I spend ALL of my time.  Specifically, the wiring, the cooling system, and the v-belts.  Carry new belts and tools with you.  These things are not likely to last very long.  Check the charging voltage to see what is going on there.  Then go over the rad hoses, cylinder head flanges, and the metal coolant pipe.  The metal pipe can rust out, the flanges can stop sealing, and the hoses can pop.

As for air filters, the Maehle filters are a lot thicker than the FRAMs so they should pass more air.  I wouldn't bother with any washable filters as the paper ones can last a really long time.

Have fun!
Steve