[sm=repost.gif]
Hi everybody. I've been reading thread after thread in this forum for about 2 mos. now and finally decided to put up my own post.
I am currently deployed in Iraq and am getting ready to come home in about 3 to 4 weeks. Man I can't wait!!! I was home on leave in Aug. and picked up a 1998 a4 1.8t quattro. Man I love that car. Well I have to say that I've learned alot from reading these posts and I am looking forward to working on my car when I get back. I am doing a full tune up. Every fluid and every filter will be changed new plugs and wires, am also changing front and rear brakes, and the biggie will be doing the timing belt. She's at 79000 miles so I know I have to change it asap. I found a pretty good kit that comes with 3 eng. seals for less than ecstunings kit. It's on www.dieselgeek.com. I am getting ready to order the vagcom and the bentley manual tomorrow plus some tools from zdmak.com.
A few quick questions though. I've read that I don't really need to use the special tools for the tb. I would like some feedback on how to hold the pulleys and fan in place while removing them. Also, how easily does the camshaft/crankshaft turn when everything is disconnected? Without the proper tools this would be a problem wouldn't it? If the tools are required what are they exactly and does anyone sell a set for a good price? Am working on army pay here if you know what I mean. Well thanks for taking the time to read my post. I probably won't have another oppurtunity to post again until I get back home, so until then everyone take care of yourselves and your beautiful machines.

 

The timing pulley is pretty stiff. I didn't have any problem keeping it from moving. The 1.8T timing belt change is a piece of cake. Most of the horror stories you read on here are for the V6 timing belt changes. You can do a timing belt with out any special tools. The water pump can be a PITA to get out but that is about the only hard part.

 

I know its a little off topic, but thanks for all you and your fellow troops are doing in Iraq. Although the news would have you think differently, people back home really appreciate it.

To get more on the topic, I hear a lot about timing belts on here, would I be absolutly sick in the head to take it to the dealership?? THat is to say, would they charge me an insane amount as opposed to a regular mechanic?

And one final question. How hard is it to DIY?

 

Not difficult at all... A bit of imagination, and some lube, and you can DIY all you want...