80K Miles and it is time to do the TB. I am in MA and looking for a good mechanic to do the job. I got a few quotes at $1500~$1600. Now, I realize the water pump, thermostat, etc. must be replaced as well, but seems like a lot for a 1 day job w/ ~$300 parts.

I also have few other mechanical issues. Anyone have a recommendation for good Audi mechanic for the MA/RI area?

 

Just some info. I have a 2004 A6 2.7. I did my belt at 95000 miles and to be honest the belt was in very good condition. I probably could have gone an additional 10000 miles. I did the belt myself parts cost me about $325.00 I took my time did the job at my house with no lift. It took me 8.5 hours. As far as a shop goes, I would find one that specializes in Audi's. Ask if they have the tool kit needed to replace the belt.

Good Luck

 

Like cudafish said, make sure they specialize in Audi's or take it to the dealer. You don't have to replace the t-stat unless there was a cooling system problem. For sure, change the water pump and tensioner pulley though. $1,600 is a bit high but all depends on where you live. I'm an Audi tech at a dealer and I think the 2.7L pays 6.5hrs for a t-belt at $120/hr + parts comes out to roughly $1,100. Without the proper special tools, you can't change the belt. If a shop says they can, run!

On an '02 with any miles it's a good idea to change the belt. If it breaks or loses some teeth, it won't be $1,500, it'll be more like $4,000-$5,000 when the heads come off to replace all the bent valves. Last one I did, we ended up putting reman heads on due to the cars 180,000 miles. Heads $1,400 each + gaskets + labor= $5,500. (ouch)

 

Thanks for the detailed info folks, especially the wrench hours. (6.5 hrs shop for the job- 8.5 hrs DIY). It is good to know because the ~$1500 quotes are from local independent shops. I have not even talked to a dealer in the area.

For me it is not DIY job, so I will continue to take suggestions for a good MA/RI are Audi mechanic.

 

Should have said my dealer charges 6.5hrs for a 4.2L belt job (also 2.7L and 2.8L as they are basically the same) as sort of a "menu" service. Not all dealers may be the same though, just as all dealer service dept's are not created equal either. To be honest, I'm proud of mine and the people I work with.

 

Thanks again. Yes, not all dealers/mechanics are equal. I have had a tough time with auto mechanics in general in the MA area. I would consider DIY since I have found the the full TB kits are ~$200~$250 w/o the special tool. But, the very fact that there is a special tool...well, that puts the TB job in the hands of a experienced professional for me.

Since the TB job is on my top things to do right now, I started a list here of mechanics in MA/RI:
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=153501

and open to more suggestions. I will try to complete it w/hrly rates and such.

 

Call your dealer, I just got a flier in the mail from them the other day that said a complete timing belt job for the 2.8 & 1.8 for $695.00, could not imagine the 2.7 being anymore.


http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

 

Thanks Jeffla. $700 for a TB job is much more reasonable price.

I will be calling around to the dealers in my area today.

 

Great starting price:

Once you add:
Tensioner, accessory belt, snub mount, acc. belt tensioner, cam and crank seels=>
then do the total.

 

Took me about 20 hours to do mine (alternator, timing belt, water pump and thermostat) but that includes taking back apart three times to fix the stuff I screwed up the first time. Also took some extra time to figure out some work arounds for all the specialty tools I didn't have. I figure if I had to do it again I could get it in about six hours, give or take.