I'm having the timing belt changed on my 2001 A6 2.7T, and the mechanic noticed a "minor" oil leak from the cam chain tensioner gasket. He said the cost would be $1000 to replace the gasket while the front end of the car is apart, or $1500 if i do it later. Is this excessive? Can I get away with a minor leak for a few years, or do these things degrade quickly?

 

If you have the timing belt off already, it should not cost $1000. It should be about 2 to 3 hours of additional labor plus some parts cost for both sides.

 

you are about to be hosed. I would tell that mechanic he would not be working on any of my vehicles any more,$20.00 in parts and $500.00 an hour for labor is a little crazy. you dont have to have the lock carrier in service position to change cam tensioner gasket, so the $1500.00 estimate is outrageous also. $80.00 for gasket kit and 2 hours maybe 3 in labor. I would ask for a break down of how an $80.00 gasket and 3 hours labor added up to $1500.00. run like hell find a new mechanic

 

Thanks for the advice. I won't mention that the mechanic is also a sponsor of this forum.

 

OOOOh... Please DO share.