How often to replace timing belt on a 1997 2.0 VW Golf?
Timing belt manufacturers recommend replacing timing belts every 60,000 miles. In the case of a volkswagon I would never exceed that milage. The water pumps on volkswagon engines have plastic impellars, and they are very prone to failure. I have seen them fail at 50,000 miles on several occasions. The water pump is driven by the timing belt so both should be changed at the same time. EVERY TIME.
