Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

hkny

Coolwhite,
I tried to get the GM silicone in Detroit GM dealer but they said the part number is not valid and they have no idea what is that. I will try in Windsor. Which GM dealership in Windsor has it?
Is that the Chevi dealership next to the Devonshire Mall? Thanks!

Galogvi,
I found the Xtreme rubber seal in home depot. Thanks for advise. It helped to reduce the rattles but in my case it didn't eliminate them. I don't know, may be I am too picky on noise. I am comparing my Jetta with my wife's Passat which is totally rattle free. May be I shouldn't expect Jetta to be as rattle free as Passat is.

target3

Vocus is right. I just sold a Jetta with 212,000 miles on it - original clutch. Don't give in to the dealer on this one.

coolwhite

Dealer in Windsor, "Gus Revenberg Pontiac/Buick/GMC Truck. 10150 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario, N8R 1A2 (519)979-2800. They have 6 in stock. Go to www.mapquest.com for directions from bridge or tunnel.

hkny

Thanks. I know the dealer. I bought my Jetta from Revenberg VW dealer.

galogvi

hkny -
How did you apply the rubber seal? I didn't split the rubber. I applied the whole width to the top of the door. Make sure the weather seal on the door completely covers the rubber seal on the body's frame. This will completely eliminate the creak.

Or you can try putting the 3M clear foil tape, which was referenced in post #5101, over the body's rubber seal in combination with the Xtreme. You'll get satisfaction.

And don't forget to pick up some miracle grow next time you stop by Home Depot!:)

hkny

Actually I did split the rubber and then applied. May be that was my mistake. I will try to apply with the whole width.Thanks!

vocus

I had some questions about the install of the Neuspeed stabilizer bar you bought. You said a friend and you put it on. Did you have to jack up the car or anything? I am going to get the bar, and am thinking about also buying those ramps to back the car up on. I wondered if you had to do that? Also, how hard were the instructions? I am not very mechanically inclined, and I don't wanna mess up anything on the car's suspension by adding the bar. Thanks for your help.

blueguydotcom

Supposedly one person can do it. That'd be a feat. Perhaps one can accomplish this if one first jacks the car up - yes you need the car jacked up - then uses a jack under each wheel when you remove the bolt that attaches the springs to the wheel.

The directions from Neuspeed are nothing short of horrendous. Check vortex for better instructions. We still got it done in under an hour, but it could have been so much easier.

vocus

So the car has to be jacked up from either side, not put up on a lift then?

I think there is a place around here that has the garage type setting where you can "rent" the space from them. I am going to check into it, and do the work there if I can. If not, I am going to have to buy a jack and use the one that came with the car in addition I guess.

Can you point me to at least the section/forum or keyword or something on Vortex? Thanks again for your help.

bpi

Please do not raise the car using the jack that comes with the car and then work under the car. That jack is for changing tires.

You probably shouldn't use a jack alone either. You need jack stands too for additional "insurance".

Why don't you just ask the VW dealer to throw the installation in for free? They've kept your car for weeks. I would think they can do it in 15 minutes.

vocus

You know, I was thinking about doing that. I don't have the part right now though, and was going to get it around July or something like that. Maybe I could take it to them and ask them to add it, but they would more than likely charge me for it. If I could use a lift to raise the car, I am sure it would not be that hard to put the part on myself.

Also, they might scream about voiding the warranty or something like that. I don't think they would, but it seems they use any reason they can to void that warranty. I talk to the shop foreman all the time at the dealer, and he has a Corrado he modded to get 400hp+, so maybe he would gimme a break or something. We shall see.

justin

bpi's idea is great. you should be able to get that out of them. and he is right - they can probably do it in seconds. tell me how it works out!

vocus - did you do your 10k service at the dealer? how much? i have 8700 and closing fast on 10k. have to get the recall done, so i figure i will let them do the 10k service too. does that include tire rotation? i haven't done it yet....i should, i know. hoping my tires will wear out fast so i can get the 16" BBS wheels...;)

Anakin

I just checked the local forums on VW Vortex. One of the locals around here works at a Ford dealership and they let him use the shop on weekends. I took my car down and he put it on the lift, had my sway bar installed in 15 minutes :^)

blueguydotcom

Anakin has the setup. Take away the trouble of jacking up the car and bracing it and you've got a pretty easy time. Of course, that's assuming you've done a VW swaybar before or you can decipher the pathetic "instructions" Neuspeed encloses.

BTW, Justin, go for the 17s, man. I've got 16 inch BBS on my car and they flat out suck for my needs. After driving an 02 with 17s, I'm quite envious. Mix the sway with the 17s and the Jetta can be ten times more fun.

blackjetta18t1

is the recall for 2002's only? My cous just got a notice for it but I have a 2001 and have heard nothing. Also, Justin, did you find out if the vibration on the brake pedal is anything? I have that to when applying the brakes somewhat hard going from speeds of 65+

vocus

I have the 17s, so it should be great fun to drive once I get the sway bar. Maybe I can get the dealer to do it, or else get someone off Vortex who's around the MD/DC/VA area to help me.

vocus

I got my 5K done at the dealer, and it's like $70 or so for the oil change and tire rotation. I got the 10K done at Goodyear, and it was $32 for everything. I would go with that if I were you, because the dealer doesn't do anything that special to charge so much more for the 10K. I am closing in on 15K soon, but I don't know when because I don't know when my car is coming back! Also, I don't remember how much mileage is on it because I have not even SEEN it in 3 weeks, today!

target3

Are you putting a sway bar on the front or rear (or both)? Also, do you already have sport suspension? I have sport suspension, and my car handles well. I am just wondering what the sway bar will do to improve handling.

vocus

I too have the sport suspension. The sway bar cuts down on the body lean, which isn't that bad to begin with on the sport suspension. But I wanna see how well it will handle with the bar. And it's only a rear one.

target3

Thanks for the info. We'll have to wait to see how you like it once you get it out for a spin.

vocus

It's just something I have thought about doing, I did not even buy the part yet. I should get it, then ask them at the dealer to install it since they have had my car already for 3 weeks, as of yesterday.

justin

I am sure the 17s help in the handling department, but I don't like the way they take away from the classy look of the car. If i wanted sporty, i would have done the GTI

I keep meaning to take some pics, cuz i want you guys to look at this. my car only has the 15" alloys, but there is no real gap between the tire and the fender. i know what you say when you talk about that, cua i have seen it, but my car doesn't have it. perplexed, cause i KNOW i don't have any sport suspension or anything special.

i have not had my recall or brakes looked at yet. i am waiting for the 10k service. i will let them do the service this time probably, so that way i will get a loaner, but they will also be replacing my rotors and pads

Anakin

Heh, justin I think you're the only person I've heard from who prefers the 15" wheels over the 17".

One of the reasons I got my OZ Operas was the "stealth" look. I think they're similar to the style of the Mercedes AMG wheels, and most of my friends haven't even noticed them without me pointing them out. I can tell you this: my car handles WAY better with these wheels. I wasn't aware of how much body roll comes from the tires. Wow!

You tend to feel the road texture a lot more with the 17" wheels, but IMO it's not too harsh.

vocus

The ride is a little harsh with the 17s, but you get used to it. I drove a loaner with the 15s, and it had alot of body lean. I have a loaner Beetle now with 16s, and it still has more body lean than I like. I came from a 2001 Protege, which is one of the best-handling economy cars out there, so I am used to good handling. I still think the sport suspension/17s has a little tiny bit too much body roll, that's why I am interested in adding the Neuspeed rear bar to my car.

Has anyone added a strut tower brace? If so, is there a big difference? Just curious.

blueguydotcom

The 28mm swaybar, at least set on medium, made the car acceptionally neutral in corners. It's so nice not to plow into corners any longer. A simple twist of the wheel and a nice blip on the throttle now tucks the car into a corner. Feels wonderful. Unlike my pre-swaybar days, I can easily send the car into over-steer on really sharp corners. What a delightful sensation to feel again.

I can't wait to get my hands on a high performing RWD car. The whole understeer thing will be a faint and painful memory.

vocus

That's why I wanted to get that bar that you have. I take this exit ramp to work everyday, rated at 25mph. I can hit it at 50mph when it's dry outside, and the only problem I have is the body lean. Once I get the bar, I more than likely will not have that problem anymore. I can't wait!

justin

i guess i am not a driving specialist. when i take 25 mph ramps at 60, i hoot and holler at the sound my poor tires make as they scrub along the surface of the road! it is fun, cuz i can feel the back end just "this close" to moving over. like if the ramp is a ramp that turns right, and i go fast and push it through, the back of the car tends to feel like it wants to "lift off" and go somewhere else. kind of fun if you ask me.

the 325Ci sport/lux package doesn't do any of that. you just point and click. sure, no tire damage, but also no "soul".....no work involved. you need to no skill at all in the 325Ci because it keeps you safe. i like to think it is my skilled driving that keeps my 15" Jetta on the pavement when i get stupid on the road....;)

justin

to me, there are plenty of nice "stock" looking 16 inchers out there, but then the 17 inchers get all Fast and Furious looking on ya...

vocus

I don't think the 17s on the Jetta are bad looking at all. The 15s are all too common out there, so I like my 17s better.

justin

i know you like your 17"s. that is why you bought your car, and i bought mine. i think the 17"s take away from the shape of the car. makes the wheelbase look really short, and makes the car look "all wheels", to me. but yes, out of all of the 17" out there, the VW ones are pretty nice. they aren't all chromy looking. i have seem some others out there too. i believe MB has some nice ones, and I also like the Lexus IS wheels. kind of shiny, but not obnoxious.

blackjetta18t1

I've noticed like Justin that when stepping on the brakes pretty firmly from 65+ mph, I feel the brake pedal vibrate a little bit. It's only at the higher speeds. I have a 2001 GLS 2.0 with only about 13500 miles. Right before I hit 12k a few months ago(very little driving lately) I took it to VW for some rattle work and to have them check the brakes while they were still under warranty and VW said they were fine but I know they don't actually check them, just drive around...Could I have warped rotors? Any ideas? If they are warped, do you think I have a chance of having VW pay for them? There is no drama in braking at lower speeds, but sometimes when braking quickly on very bumpy road, the ABS does kick in. Was the ABS recall for 2001's to or only 2002's?

justin

i don't have my recall notice with me, but i am sure if your car was affected, you would be notified.

note - the recall doesn't have anything to do with ABS "engaging"....it is just saying there might be some wires that get hot. and that is a big "might".....your ABS works fine. the reason your ABS comes on on bumpy roads is because your wheels leave the ground for a split second, and attempt to lock up if you foot in on the brake pedal.

VW should pay for rotor resurfacing for a year, or 12k miles. since you didn't insist last time, i don't know what they will do. is the brake issue listed on your last service write up?

vocus

The ABS should kick in on a bumpy road, that's normal. When the wheels lose traction when braking, the ABS is going to kick in.

Warped rotors would cause the car to feel like it's jerking forward (or bucking, kinda) when stopping all the time. Not just at higher speeds, all the time. Have the brakes checked again to see if they are ok.

boobmbl

I've been spending a lot of time reading the posts, and I'm beginning to wonder if I should really get a Jetta. It seems like all I hear is bad things about the car, while when I check out other posts. . people actually talk about good things. What do you all think, is the jetta a good car to get?

vocus

I will tell you that the Jetta is not known the the kind of reliability that a Honda or Toyota is known for. If you are looking for rock-solid reliabilty, go with one of them. The Jetta is a fun to drive family car (with a smallish back seat) that is a little different. Also, the inside exudes luxury from its look and feel. If you want driving enjoyment, get a Jetta. If you want an appliance, get something else.

drmillhous

Hey All-
I have a 2002 1.8T and will be bringing it in soon. I have the wind noise on the driver side door and am going to ask them to check for warped rotors. The car jumps a bit after braking at stop signs. The other thing is that the driver side windshield wiper smacks hard against the driver pillar. Anybody else notice this?
One more thing, I still haven't gotten a recall notice.

vocus

The wiper should not smack, it's just a little out of adjustment. I had this happen with another car, and they just bent the arm a little and it was fine.

The car might be jumping because of the transmission downshifting if it's automatic. Is it? You would notice the pulsating feeling at other times when stopping if it were the rotors. Also, the car would shake a little at higher speeds (around 70-80 or so). And keep in mind brakes are only covered for 12K, take it in before that.

protege_fan

Since you seem to know about rotors being warped, what happens if you are driving for a while and then drive through a puddle and your rotors get warped? Is that covered under warranty? Thanks in advance!

vocus

If you take the car in before 12K miles, you might just be able to get them replaced. If not, you are screwed. Also, don't hit the brakes hard when first having new ones put on. You will glaze the pads, and they will squeak forever. Unless it's a Focus, then they will squeak anyway because of the cheap material Ford's supplier uses for its pads.

protege_fan

LOL! Ok thanks. I don't have warped rotors, but wanted the info for future reference. Thanks!

justin

I would have to say that the Jetta is not the car for you. You should definitely buy the car that makes you feel more "secure" in your decision.

Rotors don't make the car jerk forward. All it does it make the steering wheel "shimmy" and the brake pedal feel "not smooth" when braking hard. I know mine are going to get worse. But again, I have managed to do this to all of my cars except one. I don't think it is the cars fault, or mine. Just the luck of the draw.

alyssazmom

In Dec 01/Jan 02 I was trying to decide between a 2002 Jetta 1.8T or a 2002 Honda Civic EX. On a whim (literally) I went to CarMax and bought a 2000 Jetta GLX. I loved this car! However I still wanted to research the background of the car so I called VW and was told where it was purchased. I called the dealer and spoke to service who gave me the run down of what it had been brought in for over the 2 years with the original owner.

With a heavy heart I was told it had been in 9 times over ONE YEAR for electrical problems (all different types). CarMax gives you 5 days to bring the car back so on the 5th day, that's what I did.

I had already sold MY 1997 Ford Escort Sedan Sport to CarMax so I had to decide quick which car to purchase: 1.8T Jetta or Civic EX. The entire reason I sold my Escort was it was unreliable and I didn't want my next car to have the same problems.

So I came here and read through this very board plus 2 other car websites. I got input from family and friends and compared crash tests.

Personally I love Jetta's styling and handling. However the reputation of it's reliability is what steered me to a 2002 Honda Civic EX Sedan in the end. I do look at Jetta's with envy, they are SUCH a fun car to drive however I couldn't deal with having another car constantly in the shop. It's not the money but the inconvenience of it all.

If you love the Jetta more than any car, I say go with it. If you want a car that has die hard reliability, go with a Honda or Toyota... for a safe bet.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Honda Civic and I know that it was a sound choice in the long run, I really wouldn't trade it for any other car right now.

However if in 5-7 years the Jetta still looks great, still handles well and its reliability has improved, I will definitely been making the change.

I did speak to the service dept about this (Stohlman VW at Tyson's Corner VA) and they said the 1999s-2002 are less reliable than previous years because they switched the factories from Germany to Mexico to reduce costs but increase profit however it's come to bite them in the [non-permissible content removed] in terms of quality of production...

Carrie

vocus

Actually, the 2001 Jettas have improved in reliability, and the 2002s are pretty good. Too bad you got a lemonish car (the 2000 GLX), but be glad you got rid of it before anything serious happend to it. Good research work on your part!

I traded my 2001 Protege ES in for a 2002 Jetta 1.8T and do not regret it in the least. My car has been in the shop for 3 weeks+ while they are ordering a part to stop a rattle, but I am still happy because the customer service I have gotten has been extraordinary. Never been treated better by a maker. One reason I dissed the Civic at first was because the dealers were rude to me. But anyway, I am totally happy now.

The newer Jettas are actually more reliable than the old ones. I see the old ones in the shop all the time, with electrical problems. Also, every one I see is missing its bodyside moldings too.

Good luck with your Honda.

justin

depends on who you talk to at stohlman. some of their people are idiots - some are decent. i had one guy tell me that my Jetta GLS has "sport seats". they aren't that smart over there. they also lost a deal from me on my second Jetta over $500, and I got the car I wanted from them anyway - just had the other dealer take it from them.

the factories in Mexico were light years ahead of the VW factories in Germany where the Jetta was made in terms of technology. ever seen how poorly the older jettas have held up? they were built in Germany....;) that is why even thought I LOVED the 97 Passat GLX, I knew it would fall apart. I could tell by the assembly quality....

i agree though - some people need to buy the Hondas/Toyotas sight unseen because of their perceived reliability. different strokes for different folks is all. you can bet, if you expect a problem, you will get one. 100% of the time. if you buy a VW and are afraid of it, you will find a reason to complain about it. i did the same things when I bought Hondas

interesting that you bought a car, it gave you no problems, and you gave it back. that really is mind over matter working at its finest, huh?

protege_fan

No matter who makes the car, there will always be a lemon or two.

vocus

If I had been in the Carmax situation that Carrie described, I would have checked out the car before buying it. She did the right thing though. I would have done the same thing had the car I bought had that many problems.

vocus

I agree. I had all kinds of problems with my Protege in 20K miles, and it was a 2001. The driver's window wouldn't go down, the radio died several times, the car died one time and wouldn't start, and the tranny used to squeak when shifting (automatic). I have had one or two problems with the Jetta, but it's still holding up very well.

protege_fan

How would you know...you haven't had it for almost a month?? Just kidding man!! I think it's great that the new Jettas are holding up so well. I don't think I'd get one for my next car, but I know of others who are looking.

newcar31

"some people need to buy the Hondas/Toyotas sight unseen because of their perceived reliability."

I don't understand what you mean by "perceived reliability"?

vocus

I think he means they are thought to be the end all and be all for some people in reliability. Hondas and Toyotas do have trouble though, and even are lemons sometimes. Look at the recalls for the new Civic last year, and the sludge issue for the Toyotas.