Golf TDI 150 timing belt change

[GKMVW]

I've owned my Golf tdi 150 for the last three months having previously driven a 90bhp Vento tdi. The performance is superb! All work and servicing has been previously undertaken by VAG however the timing belt has yet to be changed.
Does anyone know if this is an easy job or should the work only be trusted to a VAG garage (about £350!)?

[Huweth]

It's best done by a VW specialist, not an easy job. Shop around, I found a VW dealer that did mine for about £250. That price was cheaper than some independants.

[sugs04]

I had mine done as I bought my car (last week) from an independent garage. My receipts are stamped by an different independent garage but they quote themselves as a VAG specialist. It cost about £240 and I must admit I was shocked to see the quote on the wall of my VAG dealership today for the job - lots more! Thankfully, I was looking for headlight covers instead

My car has 49k on the clock and from what I can gather it's worth getting it done.

Sugs

[Col]

I've done loads of belts in my time and must say when I did the belt change on the Golf it was a nightmare. No access, at all, you have to work around an engine mounting that doesn't come off the engine although you have to remove it.

Not nice, worth paying unless your a nutter like me... but you'll only do it once !

You'll also need;

Crank locking tool
Cam locking pin
Belt tensioner plunger retaing peg
Tensioner spanner.

Again not nice, but a good character building challenge, especially the hidden engine mounting bolt, that is great fun.

[onzarob]

I had mine done buy a local garage, perfect. cost £120 labour , supplied the belt which i bought from a dealer for £60+vat i also had the auxialry belt changed.

If you know a good independent garage it will be alot cheaper and theese days they are mor clued up on TDI engines.

The Audi dealer quoted me £415 inc the waterpump!!!

I did toy with doing it myself but I would of cost £50ish for the tools!!!

Rob