I have a 2002 Audi A4 1.8T. The 4 year warranty just expired in October.
After a few weeks of engine noise - would get a loud rattle once the engine was warm for ahwhile - I took the car to a local mechanic. He tells me that I need a to replace the Cam Tensioner /Time Chain Tenioner. And he is charging $1500-$1600 for the parts and labor (8 hours of labor for $640). He did state that the part is under warranty if I can prove that I had nothing but Synthetic oil used for my oil changes. I did not however, since I was not aware that I should have been using synthetic. I did however make sure to change the oil every 3000 damn near on the button. So in short does this price seem steep? Any suggestions? Thoughts?

 

well its a timing belt for starters and Audi recommend a change on 180,000 kilometers / 111,846 miles tensioner and idler roller and the price is steep

 

opps im on about timing belt not not cam tensioner[:-]

 

That price is way high... There is no way that the parts alone come close to $860, if hes charging $640 labor!! Get a couple more quotes on prices and exactly what needs to be done.. i doubt an 02 would need a cam tensioner so early... But i dunno?

 

I was also very surprised that my car had something this serious with only 37k on it. As I stated I had been giving oil changes every 3k - but unfortunatley not with synthetic. I have been calling around trying to get some quotes from others.

 

I totally agree car is too new ( depending on mileage of course ) semi synthetic is the required oil, full synthetic is your choice and at 3K between changes this should only do good for the engine so I would get another opinion

 

Well I called around and found that the dealer would do it for around $750 and another local garage would do it for around $600-$700. I will probably just go ahead and take it to the dealer - seems like a deal compared to my previous quote.

 

good choice

 

Have the dealer check if Audi would cover it under the warranty.