1st Time Audi owner, wanted to know what the signs are and when is the right time to change the timing belt? Still under Warranty and taking it in Thursday for some other stuff.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Ask the service manager? When it's time , find an independent Audi mechanic .

 

Ya find an independent mechanic...not the dealership. Had the same issue and had an extended warranty and the timing belt is not covered.

 

around 60k or 70k miles is when you should change the belt...

cause you dont want to take a chance with it breaking cause it does severe damage to the engine.

 

Depending on year, timing belt should be OK to 80K. The issue is that the engine is an interference engine, That means that if the belt snaps or slips, the pistons hit the valves, and you have a nice set of 3000 dollar paper weights.

 

I just hit 90k on my A4 so I guess I should be getting this done. Whats the approx coast of this undertaking? Assuming I can find a non-stealership to work on it.

 

Ya, if you dont know if its been done, do it for sure. About $250-$300 for the kit that includes all belts, water pump, t-stat, and tensionor/roller. About $500-$600 independant shop, and at least $1500 at the dealer, and thats JUST for the belt/tensioner, i think. Do it yourself!!! Its pretty simple, just takes a while. There are DIY articles here and on audiworld.com.

 

Even though the manual says the timing belt should be replaced at 105,000 you still think it should be done sooner. This is for a 2002 A4 1.8t

 

Yeah. well that one thing in the manual that you should ignore, that our word on that.