Ibought an '02 A4 1.8T (non-Quattro) a few weeks ago. Has about 78k miles on it ... I don't believe the timing belt has been changed. Do I need to change it now or do I have some time before it's recommended to do so?

Also, my brother is a certified mechanic so is changing the timing belt something we can do ourselves? He's used to working on Fords, Chevys and Hondas ... butnot Audi's.I suredon't feel like paying dealer $2k to do it.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

if your brother is a tech he should be able to do any car regardless of badge the rules are the same

 

i know this, i've read 80k here so many times that though i was assured it was done @ 80k on mine when i bought it, w/no actual proof, i'm freaking @ 103k. i'm gonna have it done in dec when i return home @ 105k. my mechanic, formerly of the local audi dealer, said its good til 105k, but that's pushing the limit.

 

Search im sure that might benefit.

Adam~

 

Iguess it couldn't hurt. I think the reccomended time is at 90k.

 

the interval is 111,846 miles - 180,000 kilometers so I think you have plenty of time left assuming it hasn't been raced then you should half that

 

I'd say evert 80-90K....I have a 1998.5 1.8T and I did my timing belt at 90k but il prolly do da nex one at 170k to be on da safe side...

 

Although Audi has long change intervals, there have been a number of cases of premature failure of the belt (actually the belt tensioner). Your year has the updated tensioner, so the risk is lower. Still, I'd suggest doing it before "audi recommended time" I'd suggest 90K.

Assume that if the previous owner said it was done at 80K, but didn't have any receipts, that he lied and it hasn't been done.

When you are doing it, you might as well do the front cam seals as well. Adds 10 minutes to the job and parts cost a whopping 10 dollars in total.

 

Thanks for all the info ... grealy appreciated. It's a one owner and I don't think the original owner. I think the original owner was a fat lady with long finger nails based on the wear marks and scratches in the interior ...

Now if I can just figure out why my "Oil Min" (yellow) light is coming on every once in a while. After I check the oil (and the level is fine) the light goes off fora few days. The oil funnel tube is broke ... I should be replacing that part Tuesday when it gets here.

 

I meant to finish and say that the original owner probably wasn't a racer based off my "CSI" skills in assessing the originals owners sex and weight.