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Next: 2002 2.0L Golf Won't Shift out of Park
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Since: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 39
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:16 pm
Post subject: Common parts failures on older Golfs?
Archived from groups: rec>autos>makers>vw>watercooled (more info?)
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I have a 1998 Golf which has 110,000 km on it and is generally in pretty
good shape. It has not suffered any major failures yet and I'm trying to
make sure I have maintained vital parts to prevent expensive failures on
long trips, specifically engine related.
Oil and filter regularly changed, air filter changed. Starter, distributor,
spark plugs are good (originals). Very rare misfires in wet weather due to
some corrosion but I plan on coating or replacing spark plug wires.
I always carefully watch oil level and temperature and have never seen
overheating, from what I can read from the dashboard.
Recently I had the coolant system checked and flushed, minor leaks fixed.
The timing belt and power steering belt have been changed and the mechanic
did not notice any problem with tensioners, or v-belt (originals).
Have I missed any vital "consumable" parts or anything else that should be
changed preventatively, even if they have not failed yet? I was talking to
a guy who has a similar model Golf to my own and he told me a horror story
about a blown head gasket when his timing belt failed. My belt is new, but
anything else like that which leads to common big failures and really
should be changed now?
--
Jem Berkes
www.sysdesign.ca |
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External
Since: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 39
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:09 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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External
Since: Nov 26, 2006
Posts: 185
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:39 am
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mar 20, 9:16 pm, Jem Berkes <j....TakeThisOut@users.pc9.org> wrote:
> I have a 1998 Golf which has 110,000 km on it and is generally in pretty
> good shape. It has not suffered any major failures yet and I'm trying to
> make sure I have maintained vital parts to prevent expensive failures on
> long trips, specifically engine related.
>
> Oil and filter regularly changed, air filter changed. Starter, distributor,
> spark plugs are good (originals). Very rare misfires in wet weather due to
> some corrosion but I plan on coating or replacing spark plug wires.
>
> I always carefully watch oil level and temperature and have never seen
> overheating, from what I can read from the dashboard.
>
> Recently I had the coolant system checked and flushed, minor leaks fixed.
> The timing belt and power steering belt have been changed and the mechanic
> did not notice any problem with tensioners, or v-belt (originals).
>
> Have I missed any vital "consumable" parts or anything else that should be
> changed preventatively, even if they have not failed yet? I was talking to
> a guy who has a similar model Golf to my own and he told me a horror story
> about a blown head gasket when his timing belt failed. My belt is new, but
> anything else like that which leads to common big failures and really
> should be changed now?
>
> --
> Jem Berkeswww.sysdesign.ca
Be prepared for a water pump, shocks/struts, ball-joints and axles.
Maybe an alternator, but a bit young for that yet. Brake-fluid flush
every two years like religion... One of our kids got 224,000 miles
from her Golf City with no faults at all until she simply got tired of
it. But it was well cared-for and the maintenance intervals respected.
She (and I) believe that the lack of AC had something to do with that
life, but her next (and present) car still has AC.
Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Feb 01, 2007
Posts: 52
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:13 am
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Jem Berkes wrote:
> I have a 1998 Golf which has 110,000 km on it and is generally in pretty
> good shape. It has not suffered any major failures yet and I'm trying to
> make sure I have maintained vital parts to prevent expensive failures on
> long trips, specifically engine related.
>
> Oil and filter regularly changed, air filter changed. Starter,
> distributor, spark plugs are good (originals). Very rare misfires in wet
> weather due to some corrosion but I plan on coating or replacing spark
> plug wires.
>
> I always carefully watch oil level and temperature and have never seen
> overheating, from what I can read from the dashboard.
>
> Recently I had the coolant system checked and flushed, minor leaks fixed.
> The timing belt and power steering belt have been changed and the mechanic
> did not notice any problem with tensioners, or v-belt (originals).
>
> Have I missed any vital "consumable" parts or anything else that should be
> changed preventatively, even if they have not failed yet? I was talking
> to a guy who has a similar model Golf to my own and he told me a horror
> story about a blown head gasket when his timing belt failed. My belt is
> new, but anything else like that which leads to common big failures and
> really should be changed now?
>
Spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor seem to be really too old...
al. >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Aug 16, 2005
Posts: 352
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:55 am
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:09:46 -0500, Jem Berkes <jb.DeleteThis@users.pc9.org> wrote:
What was the outcome of your power lock / remote key situation?
>> Have I missed any vital "consumable" parts or anything else that
>> should be changed preventatively, even if they have not failed yet?
>
>The tires are also new, I know that one can be a rather ugly problem (road
>safety) >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Nov 26, 2006
Posts: 185
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:12 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mar 21, 5:34 pm, Jem Berkes <j....RemoveThis@users.pc9.org> wrote:
> "p...@aol.com" <p....RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote in news:1174495181.046342.66460
> @l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
>
> > Be prepared for a water pump, shocks/struts, ball-joints and axles.
> > Maybe an alternator, but a bit young for that yet. Brake-fluid flush
> > every two years like religion... One of our kids got 224,000 miles
> > from her Golf City with no faults at all until she simply got tired of
> > it. But it was well cared-for and the maintenance intervals respected.
> > She (and I) believe that the lack of AC had something to do with that
> > life, but her next (and present) car still has AC.
>
> Thanks for the replies. I guess in hindsight I should have had the water
> pump replaced while the timing belt replacement was being done. As I
> understand it the Golf's water pump is hard to reach, timing belt driven?
>
> When the water pump fails, what happens? Will I observe the engine oil
> temp gage increase or will it just go - BOOM - engine explodes?
>
> I don't have ABS, does that make a difference for brake fluids?
>
> --
> Jem Berkeswww.sysdesign.ca
Water pumps fail any number of ways, seizing is what you don't want.
My experience with Golfs of 'older' vintage is that the water pumps
will run nearly indefinitely if the antifreeze (with the appropriate
lubricants) is managed properly. Most do not. Typically, they begin to
leak at the main bearing. The millisecond that happens, change the
pump. Or, the next time you are after the timing belt.
Changing the brake fluid is simple common sense. With ABS it is
possibly deadly and extremely expensive consequence avoidance. Without
ABS, it is merely possibly deadly consequence avoidance.
You pays you money, you takes you chances.
Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 39
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:34 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"pfjw@aol.com" <pfjw RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote in news:1174495181.046342.66460
@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
> Be prepared for a water pump, shocks/struts, ball-joints and axles.
> Maybe an alternator, but a bit young for that yet. Brake-fluid flush
> every two years like religion... One of our kids got 224,000 miles
> from her Golf City with no faults at all until she simply got tired of
> it. But it was well cared-for and the maintenance intervals respected.
> She (and I) believe that the lack of AC had something to do with that
> life, but her next (and present) car still has AC.
Thanks for the replies. I guess in hindsight I should have had the water
pump replaced while the timing belt replacement was being done. As I
understand it the Golf's water pump is hard to reach, timing belt driven?
When the water pump fails, what happens? Will I observe the engine oil
temp gage increase or will it just go - BOOM - engine explodes?
I don't have ABS, does that make a difference for brake fluids?
--
Jem Berkes
www.sysdesign.ca >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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Since: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 39
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:34 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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> What was the outcome of your power lock / remote key situation?
I think it's an intermittent electrical problem. The weather is awful and I
don't have a garage, so I am waiting for dry weather then I'll open up the
vacuum pump in the back near the tail light (is that where it is?) to see
if I can clean the contacts.
--
Jem Berkes
www.sysdesign.ca >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Aug 16, 2005
Posts: 352
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:56 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:34:57 -0500, Jem Berkes <jb RemoveThis @users.pc9.org> wrote:
>> What was the outcome of your power lock / remote key situation?
>
>I think it's an intermittent electrical problem. The weather is awful and I
>don't have a garage, so I am waiting for dry weather then I'll open up the
>vacuum pump in the back near the tail light (is that where it is?) to see
>if I can clean the contacts.
>
>--
>Jem Berkes
>www.sysdesign.ca
I have no clue where the pump's located , sorry - but a repair manual
for your golf could be a real help with the pump location as well as a
great help should a failure happen later on. A good place to store the
manual is in the trunk as it provides good entertainment along the park-
way whilst waiting for the tow lorry. 
Usually waterpumps fail slowly , the bushing between the impeller and
the pulley wears and the impeller of the pump then starts to rub
against the housing . Noise from the pump along with weeping at the
housing are good first indicators. When the timing belt is replaced the
v-belt running the pump has to be removed so pump relacement at the
same time just makes since. ( thermostat too )
Water pumps also can fail because the impeller spins on the shaft and
stops pumping coolant then the engine will over heat.
Yeah , first full day of spring and I still have a half foot of sno in the yard. >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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Since: Sep 17, 2005
Posts: 6
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:18 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I've heard of the "change brake fluid every 2 years" rule, and I think
that's what is stated in my Bentley manual. But, I don't quite understand
the potential failure mode. How does the brake fluid "age"? Does the fluid
deteriorate in some way?
<pfjw.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1174522364.774060.269790@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
Changing the brake fluid is simple common sense. With ABS it is
possibly deadly and extremely expensive consequence avoidance. Without
ABS, it is merely possibly deadly consequence avoidance. >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 39
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:23 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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> Most do not. Typically, they begin to
> leak at the main bearing. The millisecond that happens, change the
> pump. Or, the next time you are after the timing belt.
OK so for the water pump, assuming it is not possible to look at directly
(I think this is the case for me) would this leak be noticeable as the
coolant level in the expansion tank dropping? Wouldn't that look like any
other coolant leak?
I'm just trying to understand what symptoms to watch out for, since I don't
have the expertise to look at these parts directly.
--
Jem Berkes
www.sysdesign.ca >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Nov 26, 2006
Posts: 185
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:11 am
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mar 22, 12:23 am, Jem Berkes <j... DeleteThis @users.pc9.org> wrote:
> OK so for the water pump, assuming it is not possible to look at directly
> (I think this is the case for me) would this leak be noticeable as the
> coolant level in the expansion tank dropping? Wouldn't that look like any
> other coolant leak?
This is a tough call, as your vehicle is relatively young, less than
100,000 (160,000km) miles anyway, and that is about when I start to
worry over water pumps. Just listen well, and when there are new and
strange sounds, pay attention to them.
Coolant leaks (slow ones) show a whitish powdery streak at the leak
point. The material will smell sweet. If you see such a streak not
near anything obvious but in the general vicinity of the pump, then
pay attention as above.
One additional note, rubber products such as tires, belts, hoses and
so forth must be replaced based both on use *AND* age. Generally, I
try to draw the line at 6 years on any rubber item (others say 10,
others say if it is a non-safety item let it fail), less on an actual
wearing item such as a belt or tires. Rubber simply degrades over
time.
Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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External
Since: Mar 14, 2005
Posts: 97
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:27 am
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I don't remember anyone mentioning the A3's door wiring harnesses,
particularly the rear ones. At least on the versions with power
windows, the wires in these break in the hinge area, causing problems
with the windows and the alarm system. This can disable the car if they
wires fail in such a way that the alarm continuously arms.
I almost got stuck once with this condition, but 'fixed' it long enough
to get home by repeatedly opening and closing the rear doors until the
wires rearranged enough to allow the car to start.
The newer harnesses seem to last better, or maybe it's just because the
rear doors don't get used on it as much anymore.
Mark
'95 Jetta GLS >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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Since: Jun 24, 2003
Posts: 400
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 8:22 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"WT" <waltert RemoveThis @mts.net> wrote in message
news:0_xNh.55694$mJ1.41022@newsfe22.lga...
> I've heard of the "change brake fluid every 2 years" rule, and I think
> that's what is stated in my Bentley manual. But, I don't quite understand
> the potential failure mode. How does the brake fluid "age"? Does the
> fluid
> deteriorate in some way?
Brake fluid absorbs moisture and the moisture destroys your braking system
from the inside out, usually the master cylinder goes first. (Not sure how
moisture would even get in there to begin with since your braking system is
pretty much sealed so unless you're taking the cap off a lot for some
reason, the only moisure to absorb is from what little bit of air is above
the "max" line on the reservoir.
That said, the OEM M/C went out on my Mk2 GTI after about 8-9 years and I
didn't change the brake fluid every two years. After a new M/C, I had the
fluid replaced religiously every two years and my second M/C began failing
on me after 7 years. Go figure.
Not quite sure I'm ready to call it all a bunch of B.S. but given that it's
not that hard or expensive to flush/replace brake fluid, I'd say do it
anyway. But I'm also not convinced it's effective insurance against M/C
failure either. >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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Since: Nov 26, 2006
Posts: 185
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 12:29 pm
Post subject: Re: Common parts failures on older Golfs? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mar 27, 11:22 pm, "Matt B." <n... RemoveThis @hellno.com> wrote:
> "WT" <walt... RemoveThis @mts.net> wrote in message
>
> news:0_xNh.55694$mJ1.41022@newsfe22.lga...
>
> > I've heard of the "change brake fluid every 2 years" rule, and I think
> > that's what is stated in my Bentley manual. But, I don't quite understand
> > the potential failure mode. How does the brake fluid "age"? Does the
> > fluid
> > deteriorate in some way?
>
> Brake fluid absorbs moisture and the moisture destroys your braking system
> from the inside out, usually the master cylinder goes first. (Not sure how
> moisture would even get in there to begin with since your braking system is
> pretty much sealed so unless you're taking the cap off a lot for some
> reason, the only moisure to absorb is from what little bit of air is above
> the "max" line on the reservoir.
Matt:
That is the MC failure-mode problem. The "OH-SH*T" failure-mode is
when the brakes fail on the downhill due to boiling fluid... THAT is
the primary reason to flush the stuff, not to protect the master or
slave cylinders. As it happens, they fail for any number of reasons
mostly well before rust becomes an issue. Now, water does attack ABS
pumps, and way before average-failure mode, so for ABS, flushing is
both OH-SH*T and major $$ avoidance-behavior.
Brake fluid is strongly deliquescent. The brake reservoir is
necessarily vented and breathes with expansion and contraction, as
well as brakes self-adjust and/or are replaced. So, each general
temperature change will pull fresh (usually moist) air into the
reservoir. It takes time (a couple of years or so, as it happens), but
it happens.
Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA >> Stay informed about: Common parts failures on older Golfs? |
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