I've recently purchased a 2001 A4 (50k) and after doing some basic research, decided to have the all important timing belt service performed. This was done last week at 61k. After spending a significant chunk of change, I was extremely disappointed to find that the replaced parts (timing belt, water pump etc.) were in excellent shape! No deterioration at all. 60k was the interval recommended to me... is this too frequent? Thanks for any comments...

 

No that is the perfect time. There is no way to tell if the parts were in "perfect shape". Did your mechanic disassemble the water pump to check the bearings?? I seriously doubt it! Physical wear is not necessarily an indication of predisposition to failure.

 

Good point... guess I'm just used to replacing parts when they're broken, worn, dirty and it's too late. Becoming more disciplined performing proper PM...

 

Yeah, you have made a VERY VERY wise decision though. Fear not, your money was invested wisely. If your timing belt snapped or one of the related companants breaks you are talking 1000's of dollars in repair bills.

 

It's thanks to guys like you who post this stuff that I learned about the importance of the service. Any other critical things I need to pay attention to with this A4? It's a 2.8, so I'm not so concerned about the sludge issue and change the oil religiously anyway. Other stuff?

 

check out this post...see if you are staying up to date...

https://www.audiforums.com/m_23377/tm.htm

 

On your link Oil Change is recomended every 5000 miles??

I do it every 3000 miles? Is this too frequent?

 

I would say so, but if you feel more confident at doing it every 3k then go for it. I also use synthetic so I have no problem changing every 5-7k miles.