Does anyone have detailed instructions on replacing the timing belt /water pump on a 1999 a4 2.8? I was going to try to do it myself with the help of a mechanic friend but don't want to start without good instructions. Also is ecstuning.com the cheapest place to buy a timing belt kit or can I find it cheaper elsewhere? Also I need instructions on replacing a throttle body too. Mine has gone bad...posted a question earlier with the codes that made me think that it has gone bad. Would you guys suggest a brand new one or a used one? I'm on a tight budget so the cheapest way out would suit me the best.

Just a thought...I just bought this a4 at an auction w/ 121000 miles on it.... Is it likely that the timing belt has already been replaced? No records came with the car so I don't know what's been done to the car. Overall it looks to be in really good condition. But the throttle body needs to be changed and coolant is leaking severely...gone overnight. So I assumed that the water pump has gone bad as the tubing seems ok. Could it be possible that the timing belt has been replaced but not the water pump? Also how can i tell if the belt is broken? What if the belt has broken and that is why the car chokes and dies right after being started and has a loud clanging noise when it is running... Is there a check engine light related to a timing belt?

Here are the three codes that the Vag read off: (i had posted these earlier)

18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30 Voltage too low
17967 Throttle body (J338) fault in basic settings P1554-35-10 - intermittent
17953 Throttle valve controller:Malfunction P1545-35-00

Thanks for any input.

 

Also my Crankcase Breather Hose is cracked in two places...can that be repaired or does the whole hose need to be replaced?

 

I bought my kit off of ecs for $277 for an 01 2.8. Thats pretty cheap. I think you can get it off ebay for $250 but I feel safer buying it from ecs. I would go ahead and change it if your unsure about it being done or not. I replaced my breather hose because mine broke in half. I bought it from the dealer for $105 but ecs also has it for like $75 if you can wait.

 

if the timming belt is broken, your cam shafts wown't move, therefore your car wown't start at all. on the 2.8 30v's, just unclip the cover on one side( left), don't need to completely take it off, just tilt it open, and u can see the condition of the belt and if it's moving.

 

the breather hose can be repaired with tape but that wont last. buy a new one.

 

i got mine from ecartoys.com for 240 shipped and i used audi worlds write up

 

Well if you're timing belt were broke your car shouldn't start, so the choking and dying you mentioned has to be the result of something else. Being that you don't have any service or maintanence records and your car has 121K, you should press and buy the the timing belt kit. Its not likely that someone would change the timing belt without replacing the water pump, but who knows.
I'm sure someone will chime in and provide a DIY link for you. Hope you resolve your problem.

 

17967 accelerator pedal or starter motor operated during basic setting (starter motor I think was making the clanking) other codes pertain to the throttle control unit on the throttle body so I guess a replacement might be wise

 

It was the water pump that was broken so I'm changing the timing belt kit.... thanks

 

good thing you caught it in time. a broken water pump can break a timing belt. good luck