I just bought a 98 A4 2.8q. I'm looking to have the timing belt changed, and I had a few questions I was hoping you all could answer. The car's got 80k on the belt in it now, so it needs to be done.

My first question is, have any of you had the belt changed, and if so, what did it cost you?

Secondly, is the v6 an interference engine; that is, if the belt lets go, could the valves hit the pistons?

Third, have any of you done this job yourselves, and if so, how hard is it? I'd be willing to do the work to do it myself if I can't afford it, but I have no lift, or special tools. What would I need to do the job?

 

yea i just had mine done, i got it done for 500 bucks total. If you got like 2 days of downtime and the proper tools, id say tackle it yourslef because youd learn alot about your car

 

yes it is an inteference engine. tb changes can range from 500-1000 depending on where you live and what mechanic you go to. dealership will probably charge 1500 or so. i've never done it myself but from what i've heard it's really not all that difficult, just time consuming. search the archives and you'll find a ton of info on DIY timing belt changes.

 

Yep i've done mine myself. It will require a special tool to hold the cams together and a crank locking pin. It took me probably 10 hours to change the timing belt, water pump, idle pully etc. I had no prior experienece in doing it myself and it went pretty smoothly.

 

Excel Auto Unlimited
European Repair Specialists;The Dealership Alternative;Across from Commuter Rail RT 18 South Weymouth
1415 Main St, Weymouth, MA 02190
(781) 340-4477

they did mine after purchase of a6 q wagon.
around $500. good work.