Hello everyone. After my Jetta was totaled, I decided to join the 4 rings club and bought a 1996 A4 Quattro 2.8. Great car, and I could not be happier. One thing I have noticed though is that there appears to be a slight problem with the timing belt system, or at least I see it as a problem. On the left side of the motor, the belt seems to be a little cockeyed on the toothed belt pulley. (see photos) This is only an issue on that side and not the right side. Is this something to sweat over? It does not appear to be worsening, and didn't seem to change over a 900 mile journey. Also, there's a nick in the belt that I've pointed out.

Supposedly there was a new belt, waterpump, etc, put on about 40k ago. Time for another?



Right side - no problem evident



Small bit of damage to belt













Thanks in advanced

 

im not sure, but i do want to say that that is one beautiful vehicle u got there

 

I'm not sure about the belt either but those TT wheels look very nice on the black. One piece head lamps, face lift tails and debadge and it will look even better.

 

i dont think the offset is anything to sweat over at all. the thing i would be worried about is that little bit of belt damage. if you have the time and the know how, i would say change it asap. its alot cheaper changing a belt than the valvetrain.
as stated, that is one very good looking 13 year old car though.

 

one pieces on the way, but I think I'll be leaving the older style tails. Something about that amber really appeals to me.....

Good advice. More than likely, it will be done very soon. The kit on German AutoParts.com seems to have everything I need for a reasonable price. http://www.germanautoparts.com/Audi/A4/Engine/290/5 good choice?

 

I normally get my kits through Blauparts.com who also offer rental of the special tools you will need.

 

first of all I just want to say you've done an excellent job with the car. it's freaking gorgeous.

as for the belt, i'd change it asap. you probably know that it's an interference engine and once the belt goes, so does your engine. it's better safe than sorry you know? the belt is only 35 bux from autozone. you should look into when the last time the timing belt was changed. you might want to do the whole job, water pump, tensioner, etc, while you've got the whole thing apart anyways. i'd visit blauparts.com those people know absolutely everything about audi and VW and offer free shipping. i think they're cheaper too. also check out ecstuning.com. you won't need the bar to hold the cams, we've done a timing belt one a 12v and the cams never moved when the belt was taken off. you definitely should still mark them though

 

I drive a 1.8T and I understand the TB job on a 2.8 is different and (might?) require a special tool or two. However, if you're mechanically inclined it's a blast of a job to do (I did mine like 2 weeks ago).

You'll develop a nice bond with your car, and learn a lot about it too.

BTW, your car is beautiful... Who would think it's 13 years old, huh? Ahhh, gotta love Audis.

 

Well, thanks everyone for the kind remarks towards the car. I still have a number of things I want to see done to it, so stay tuned.

Concerning the "specialty tool" required for the timing belt change on the 12v, I've read two views on it - some say sure you need it, others say nah. What's it actually used for anyhow during the change?

Sorry if I come across as a "noob" when it comes to this engine. I'm making the change from VW, and granted, much of it is the same, but there are still differences.

Appreciate it.