OK, im att 57xxx miles on my 2001 B5. Ive only had it for about 4000 of those, and have loved every mile. Except for the fact that every mile gets me closer to 60k, which is the recommended milage to do the timing belt.

My question is, is there a way to see if it was already done?? This is doubtful, as it is not even at 60k, but I figure it is worth a shot.

Also, it looks like this will make up my whole christmas present. I was hoping for tints and/or springs too, but then I realized this just may be a priority. So, how much will it run me at, say, the dealership?? Or a local mechanic??

Thanks.

 

there is no way to tell if it has been done already or not. most likeey not though, i payed 750 to have mine done, i would do it my self now though. it cant be that hard.

 

I'm at 58,3XX and my 01.5 1.8TQM came with the 8 year engine warranty, which supposedly transferred when I bought it used. The place I bought it from said I was covered for any damage done relating to the engine. What if I don't want to wait for the damage to happen? Am I not covered by this warranty?

 

Well not exactly. He can remove the timing belt cover. Then flip the belt over and look for cracks and fading of the labels/printing. He should be able to tell if the belt has 5k miles or 60k miles on it very easily.

 

60k is a general marker to do it but most timing belts will last much longer. On my old volvo I got it changed at 70k, no problems, only that i spent $400 and then totaled it a month later...

 

Dealers charge around $1,200 and independents around $700.

Do the water pump

tensioner, damper pulley

and front belts.

 

If you have any knowledge of auto repair than do it yourself. I bought mine beginning of October with 64k and did my belt, water pump, tensioner, tensioner pulley for $300. Would have been $275 but needed a few tools. Took about a day and a half but well worth the money I saved. I highly suggest if you diy than buy the bently manual. Very useful as well as this writeup from audiworld.

Timing Belt

Scroll down to timing belt article, there are two. The 2nd has a lot of pics that are pretty usefull.

 

I replied to your PM bud!

 

yup - but he wont be able to tell if they changed the tensioner though.

 

wheres the timing belt cover on a 2.8 b5? and also...i've read the good write up on audi world...but that's for a 1.8t...is it much different on the 2.8?