'91 200q 20v timimg gear

[John Cassidy/Sallyann Mulcahy]

Hi guys,

My 91 200 20 is in the shop for a timing belt at 180,000 mi.  Mechanic (lots
of VW experience, 0 20v exp) says the timeing gear, near where the key fits,
look weak.  Anyone ever hear of these failing?  He's got me a little
spooked, considering the consequences, but try and find one of these in a
hurry...  Ad to that, I've never heard the list mention a failure.

Thanks in advcance!

JC