When replacing the timing belt on a 2.7T engine, is it really important to change the belt tensioner and water pump? Are the belt tensioner and water pump known to go out? Any input would be great because I'm getting ready to replace my belt.

 

u should replace everything.

water pump, all pullies/tensioners and serp belt.

 

The theory is:

The timing belt drives the water pump.
It the water pump goes, it effect the timing belt, and can cause the engine to come out of time.
The 2.7T is an interference engine. If it comes out of time, the valves can hit the pistons. Thats VERY expensive.
Water pumps do go, generally around the time that timing belts should be replaced, give or take a few 10K miles. (Not that a bad water pump will necessarily cause a timing issue)

Since alot of the cost is in labor, its cheap security to replace the water pump and tensior at the time you do the belt.

 

Ok, makes sense. Thanks guys.

 

Now if I were just to replace the timing belt, would I have to take the front bumper off and all that jazz to replace it like you do on the water pump?

 

Yes, the procedure is the same, thats why when replacing the timing belt people generally do the water pump. The cost difference between the two proceedures should bascially be the cost of the water pump.

I think on AudiWorld they have a great illustration of the proceedure. Its wild because you have to take off the front bumber, and then pivot the entire cross member to access the front of the engine.

 

ok, found the article. Thanks for your help. Here is the link if anyone else needs it.
http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/105861.phtml

 

Anybody have a part number for a '00 a6 2.7t timing belt? I found a website that has two different ones for sale. One considerably more than the other. The timing belt is the only belt on that particuluar engine, right?