timing belt R&R

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Can someone post a link to some good DIY threads on changing the timing belt?  Preferably with pics

I have all the parts: belt, tensioner, new sprocket bolt but my Bently still has not been shipped yet.

I have 3 belts A $10 Duralast (Autozone) made in Italy, a $15 Goodyear Gatorback made in USA, and a Contitech made in Mexico (OEM?).

Which belt do you think is the best belt? The Gatorback has a different tooth profile than the other 2 (Conti and the Italian belt) which are very similar. I don't like the Gatorback belt from the looks of it. I took pics of all 3 and can post them if people are interested. Is there a place to post pics on this forum or do I need to hosty them elsewhere?

ps. I also have a $20 SKF tensioner and a $10 job made in Asia. I am putting in the SKF one.

[rabbitman]

Forget the asian tensioner. I've heard contitech is the best.

Check the FAQ for tips on changing the belt.

From the FAQ: http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=28

[8v-of-fury]

Contitech is the best to use, but Gatorback is a trusted North American belt company as well. I use gatorback belts on EVERYTHING, from a 67 Mercury to a 95 Astro van.. Never had problems

[zukgod1]

I took pics of all 3 and can post them if people are interested. Is there a place to post pics on this forum or do I need to hosty them elsewhere?

Need to host them else where.

I use Photobucket personally.

[Vincent Waldon]

I took pics of all 3 and can post them if people are interested. Is there a place to post pics on this forum or do I need to hosty them elsewhere?

Need to host them else where.

I use Photobucket personally.

Also as per the FAQ.   

[Vincent Waldon]

You don't want to loosen the crank pulley... you really really don't... and you don't need to.... the belt pulley comes off by removing the four allen bolts set into the pulley.

You do need to loosen the cam pulley in order to set the timing properly... "mark and pray" is heavy on the pray.

[79rabbit4dr]

http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=16960.0

Vince's write up is very useful, that's what I used my first time. I've got a couple extra pix posted in the thread above. Hopefully they'll help too.

It's not as scary as some people make it out to be... just triple-check your results and you should be good. Take the time and spin it around a few times by hand(wrench) after you've got everything set to make sure you're not going to screw things up when you fire it up. Good luck!!!

[rallydiesel]

I've only used the Contitech and have had absolutely zero problems. The other two are probably fine but Contitech is what I would use if I had a choice.