Really now, am I crazy?
 

Hey ya'll -

First post on the board. I've got a 2001 A6 2.7T that is in need of a timing belt change. I've got a friend who has done alot of work on various cars and I feel pretty confident that, given a good manual and a couple days worth of time, I can do the work myself.

So, would I really be crazy to think that my friend and I can do the timing belt job ourselves? Some people think i'm crazy for considering it, some people think it's totally reasonable.

What do ya'll think? Those of you who have done the timing belt - you're not certified mechanics, are you? :) I guess i'm just looking for reassurance that it's not as scary as it sounds! Thanks for the help!

RE: Really now, am I crazy?
 

If you and your bro are pretty competent then it shouldn't be too bad. Here's a pretty good write up on how to do it: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng39.shtml

RE: Really now, am I crazy?
 

The write up below has excellent pictures and detailed description for a 2.7T, although it was written for an Allroad the sedan is virtually the same.
http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/105861.phtml
Keep in mind the following "Golden Rules" for doing an Audi timing belt:
1) ALWAYS replace all moving components - idler pulley, tensioner pulley and water pump. Most timing belt failures are due to the failure (siezing) of one of these items. Buy a complete kit from a reputable Audi supplier such as ECS, Pure Motorsports, Blauparts etc. (AvoidEbay...these parts are critical !!!)
2) Buy or borrow a cam lock bar and crank lock pin to properly align the cams and crankshaft. You can pick these up from ECS or http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-Au...mZ120100303853
You can't afford be off a tooth or you will do big$$ damage.
3) Use a torque wrench and the torque values in the Bentley Audi service manual.
4) If you find oil leaks from the crank or cam seals when you are in there, replace them. Oil leaks willshorten the life of the new belt.
Good luck!

RE: Really now, am I crazy?
 

Where do you live? There's a guy in my area that comes highly recommended and he only charges $750 to do the whole shebang.

RE: Really now, am I crazy?
 

Pay somebody to do it.

RE: Really now, am I crazy?
 

I'm due for belt change and i'm gain to give it a go, looks like fun, i live in uk and garage prices start from £40 per hour, those who have done belt change can work out how much labour i'll have to cough up, just finding places to quote me on parts

RE: Really now, am I crazy?
 

Granted I live in SW Michigan and labor rates are reasonable, but I bought the kit from Blauparts (after making sure the water pump had a metal impeller) for $350 delivered and my shop charged me for 6 hours work. Whole deal was around $800. Just picked it up this afternoon.

He even checked the spark plugs, which have 55k on them, and declined to change them because they look like new.

You're not crazy, but you have to know what you're doing. The whole front of the car has to come off and make sure you lock down the cam/crank or you riskdestroying the cylinders and valves.