Wow-I've just spent a couple of hours reading some great advice and shuddering at some of your horror stories about the debate on when do you really need to change your timing belt (water pump and tensioners). I just acquired an absolutely mint '02 3.0. I've actuallyknown the car since it was bought by the original owner who kept it well-maintained (has all the service records) and sheltered it (day and night) in covered parking or garages.

It just turned 75,000 miles. The private mechanic I use (I had a '98 2.7 A6 with 145,000 miles and it's still running beautifully) recommends the timing belt service at around 60,000. I would really like to avoid $900 right now, but get nervous wondering if it's reasonable to wait until 85,000 or 90,000....

I've seen advice on this forum that has ranged from doing the service at 60,000 to 105,000, but the models and years of the Audi's seem to impact your advice.

What do you think? With such a well-maintained car, am I really playing Russian Roulette to wait 10 to 15 K to do the service??? I know this is a bit of a crystal-ball question, but from what I've read, alot of you guys are Wizards.
Thanks a bunch!
Coloradoaudigirl

 

75K is a good mumber for a timing belt change. 60K is a little too low and 105K as recommended by Audi is way too high. (I think Audi now revised their recommendation) You can probably wait 10 to 15K, but do you really want to risk it? By waiting a year or so, would you have extra $5000 plus to work on the car if she blows? I say change the belt, water pump, and thermostat at least.

BTW $900 for a 3.0 timing belt, including water pump and thermostat is a steal. I would think it is bit more than that.

 

Im far from any sort of expert, but my A6 had the timing belt replaced @ 96K. I plan on having the belt replaced again @ around 150K to be safe. My mechanic quoted me $1200 for everything, so id say $900 is an excellent price.

 

I would play it safe and do it. 75k is about right and 900$ is a good price.

 

Thanks for your response. Looks like I'd better just go for it to avoid the stress and possible MAJOR ORDEAL (and regret) if the belt would break....eek.

I'll double check on what is included in the service, but yesterday, they did quote me $900. I know when I had the '98's timing belt changed they included the water pump and something else....can't remember...maybe the serp belt. I think all of you are saying timing belt, water pump, thermostat, tensioners and serp belt.

Thanks again!

 

I changed mine @ 87k, just in time as the tensioner was on its way out.

 

i just got mine changed today at 104,8XX. My mechanic gave me call about an hour after I dropped it off and said it was good I brought it in. The timing belt looked like it was about to go.

He also got rid of my check engine light so I'm really pumped up right now. He did charge a lot, but it was mostly parts. Also, I didn't get the thermostat done.

 

To echo everyone else: 75-85k seems to be a pretty good spot to do it. Tensioners get tired, the belt has had a goodly amount of abuse, and really, for the extra 5k miles, it's not worth taking the chance. It's lot a lot of things...if you think it's about time, it's time!
(Note: I did mine at 85k, and the tensioner was in good shape, but the belt.....oh, he was getting tired. There was some signs of the metal underlayment working its way though. Not a good thing).

 

Did mine around 95k. Make sure the job includes a good metal impeller water pump, all the tensioners, thermostat, serpentine, and new fluid.