[Vwdiesel] Suggestions for 2003 VW Golf TDI parts query

[Tony and Lillie]

I like the OEM Conti belt kits for the TDI's. If you are driving hard, go 
with the ceramic pads. Otherwise, at least semi-metalic. You don't want the 
organic pads. Also, have the rotors measured while you are in there. I use a 
fuel addative I picked up at a Love's Truck stop, but just about any of them 
will help. Stanadyne is very popular around here as well. Definately gas 
struts if you live up north. Hydraulic ones get stiffer quite a bit of a 
magnitude when the weather gets cold. That's not ideal for winter handling. 
I'd probably go with the OEM glow plugs if it were mine, and also have the 
glow plug "harness" checked. They cause problems sometimes as well. It's the 
black part that plugs directly onto the glow plugs.

Tony Hoffman

----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: [Vwdiesel] Suggestions for 2003 VW Golf TDI parts query


> Hello list. I am having some work done on my '03 Golf TDI and wanted to 
> ask for some suggestions on replacement parts in terms of type/brand, etc. 
> Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Also, any tips on where to 
> pick up the parts - whether it be locally or online - would be helpful! I 
> am having a local and independent shop (in NC) do the t-belt, front brake 
> pads, and front struts. Thinking about glow plugs as well because I don't 
> know how long it's been since they've been replaced. I'm starting to run a 
> biodiesel blend (B25+) and would like to do some fuel system treatments 
> before I change out the fuel filter. So, here's my short list:
>
> t-belt kit: OEM or aftermarket?
> brake pads: ceramic or stock? (was recommended akebono and bendix)
> front struts: brand? gas/oil?
> glow plugs: brand?
> diesel fuel system treatment: stanadyne or redline? others?
>
> Thanks for the help in advance.
> Cheers, Christopher
>