Timing belt peace of mind
 

I just replaced the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and rollers on my 96 A6. It was my first time doing it and 6 hours later it was done. I bought the car used with 150K on it and not having any history, it had to be done. So I researched this a bit and found this site and these 2 others very useful http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng42.shtml and http://www.12v.org/maintenance/repairs/tbelt.php. I bought the parts kit from ECS tuning (there are 3 different kits for my year based on the VIN number). With careful planning and the right tools on hand (rent/buy/make a camshaft holding tool) this project went smoothly. The one thing I found out is that with my A6 there is enough room between the front of the engine and the radiator fans so that I DID NOT have to remove the front end, a big plus.

RE: Timing belt peace of mind
 

Congratulations! Definitely not for the faint of heart.

RE: Timing belt peace of mind
 

I have to do a timmingbelt on my 96 also.

Is there a link to that parts kit.

RE: Timing belt peace of mind
 

This is the link I found my stuff on. Remember that the kits are specific to the car's VIN.
ECS Tuning
They seem very knowledgable and helpful.

RE: Timing belt peace of mind
 

Thanks, I took a look at my Tbelt and it is relatively new, the water pum is til somewhat shiny and it has a new roller to. I think it will be fine, the belt's teeth still have no wear at all and have the cut grooves on them.

I did however change the serpintine belt and the plugs.

RE: Timing belt peace of mind
 

FYI... most of the time, it is NOT the belt that fails, but one of the rollers. I've read numerous posts about people who had a roller fail when the belt looked just fine.

RE: Timing belt peace of mind
 

well I saw a brand new part on the right side of the engine if you looked at it from the front.