OK guys specs- '99 Audi A4 2.8 (NOT A QUATTRO) with 156,000 miles on it.

I need to replace my timing belt as I dont know if the previous owner ever did. I myself have put maybe 20,000 miles on it in the 2 years i've had it.
I found a good diy video on youtube of my exact model on how to do it im just worried ill **** it up, and i dont have the part to hold the cams in place.

I found a mechanic who will do it for $300 lobor only
and i cant figure out what parts i should buy, just the belt? the kit?
what do i need all in the Kit?
im looking on

RockAuto Parts Catalog

they generally have great parts I got my ignition coils and throtle body from them.

So my question is in my current situation which kit would you choose off that list? and do you think this is a job a novice could do?

 

my understanding is its best to do the h2o pump and thermostat when you do the timing belt. You also may want to do the serpentine belt and tensioners on the timing belt too. I think blauparts has a kit of all these parts but the thermostat available. Thermostat would be an additional $120, so $340 for all those parts approx. You will also need some special tools that you can rent from Blauparts for the timing belt job. I read that it takes anywhere from 8-10 hours of labor.

 

Go with a pre-assembled kit from Volvo Parts, BMW Parts, European Car Parts | FCPGroton.com. It has everything you need except G12 coolant, which you can get at a dealership. You don't need the cam lock tool unless you're changing cam seals. When you index the engine with cylinder 3 (passenger rear) at TDC on the compression stroke, the cams will be flat-spotted and they won't turn when you remove the belt. You'll want to do timing and serpentine belts, water pump, thermostat, hydraulic tensioner, tensioner roller, and idler roller. The job isn't really all that bad if you're decent with a wrench and have the tools. If you're unsure, pay someone who knows these cars. Don't give it to any old Chevy mechanic.

 

A thermostat separately by the way is about $9, not $120.

 

got all the parts from rock auto under 140 bucks

 

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Did you decide to do it yourself or hire it done? I for one would love to have some updates if you tackle it yourself. Good luck either way.

 

I did my A8 about 10,000 miles ago. first time at it. did same thing. watched the youtube video. it was pretty easy. good thought on setting the engine at flat cams. didn't know there was a spot like that. I had an adventure on mine. Some people say use zip ties to hold the cams. that doesn't work. again, that doesn't work for anyone thinking of trying that. I tried it. put lots of zip ties on to be sure. as soon as the belt came off they all broke and the cams turned to the "flat spot". really freaked me out. luckily I had marked the positions before removing the belt. I only replaced the belt. Used a Gates. cost $30 I think. put it back together by turning the cam with a wrench to the mark I made when slipping the belt on. changed water pump and used the $12 thermostat. cheapest I could find. Cheapest belt too, but Gates is good stuff. this job took a dummy like me 6 hours.

 

Can i get a more dumbed down way to set the cams not to move? im a newb!