When should the timing belt be changed on 2011 vw crafter auto

Follow th emanufactors maintenance gulde that came with the car or:



It\'s easy to check the belt for signs of premature wear -- just locate it in the engine bay (usually under a plastic or metal shield that should be easy to remove) and check it for drying, fraying and discoloration.

The belt itself is inexpensive, probably costing less than $20 at an auto parts store. Your mechanic will probably charge several hundred dollars (or more) for a belt replacement service, though. Those hours spent dismantling and reassembling the engine bay add up quickly.

You can replace the timing belt yourself if you have access to the necessary equipment. In some cars, it\'s a straightforward procedure -- remove the engine covers and shrouds, line up the camshaft and crankshaft, slip off the old belt, and slip on the new one. Sometimes, though, it\'s a lot more complicated. For example, the timing belt might loop through a motor mount, in which case the mount would need to be removed to access the belt. You\'d need an engine hoist or stand to safely remove and replace the mount [source:Juran].

Keep in mind that an error in this job, such as improperly turning the engine by hand or failing to coordinate the shafts, will cause the same damage as a snapped belt. Make sure you understand the procedure before getting started.

source:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/car-part-longevity/timing-belt-last.htm