The local foreign car shop I use in Holland MI estimated $900-1000 for parts/labor. I usually see price quotes on this forum in the $1200-1500 range. I guess the coasts are just more expensive, heh.

 

there is enough data on the Internet to help you decide when the belt needs replacing and most dont go anywhere nears dealer recommendations and this is the question ( is it a scam?? ) I have data that contradicts USA data even though the software is from the USA.

something not right here and I cant name any company for legal reasons

 

Dave, are you saying the manufacturer isrecommending to replace it too soon or too late? I'm not sure what kind of software will help as I have nothing to measure. All I can go on is the year of the car, mostly highway driving for the last two years and 56k miles, and just turned 90k. I plan to bring it in to the shop in three weeks anyway.

Also, I find it hard to believe that Audi would recommend 105k if the belts only last 70-90k. Sounds like bad marketing and/or customer service. Or is it a vast conspiracy where they want to generate mega repair work for the dealers?

 

Id replace them before 90k for sure, i can't even tell you how many cylinder heads ive replaced with 90k+ miles on the odometer from blown timing belts. The hydraulic tensioner is usually toast by 90k as well which means that your belt is really loose and could possibly slip a tooth but won't cause any major damage.

 

I have a 2003 2.7T A6 Manual Transmission with 101K miles.

I just spoke to the Audi dealer

For the timing belt service, they include:

timing belt
tensioners
rollers
coolant
thermostat
water pump

Also, at no additional labor charge, I'm having them replace the serpentine belt.

Total: $1200


Does anyone see somehting missing from this routine maintenance?

 

I think the general (logical) consensus is to replace the belt at 90,000. Yes some people suggest as early as 75k and the ORIGINAL maintenance schedule says 105k, but I believe Audi changed that in later years due to broken belts. I wouldn't change it sooner than 85k personally, but I wouldn't wait beyond 100k either.

The way I look at it, very few people will ever do this more than once as 95% of us won't be driving the same Audi long enough to do it again. So the difference between a 90k change and a 100k change is minor as either way you are good for another 90k. Thus, why take the chance? You might as well just replace it now and be safe.

If you really think you are going to drive the car another 90k then I could perhaps see putting it off a little while, but I sincerely doubt that is an issue so I would strongly recommend just biting the bullet and doing it. The only justifiable reason I can see for putting it off would be if you KNOW you are going to be selling the car within the next 6 months or so. Otherwise, be cautious and do it sooner than later.

 

Audi recoment that the TB is change at 75K it use to be 105K but they got complints about TB blowing and messing up engins. So they moved it to 75K in 2002.