Do it now! Ha, ha. Speaking from experience...I'm going to replace mine every 50k! Mine broke at around 75k from the last recorded TB change and mine's a 2000. What ended up happening was that the TB tensioner roller seized up because the bearings on it went bad. That stopped the belt in it's tracks and shredded off a few teeth on the belt. Replacing the roller and idler pulley should be a must when changing the t belt. Like others were saying, it's also a good idea to change the thermostat and water pump while you're at it since the same disassembling is required to get to those parts. The best thing to do though is just to get a complete kit with all new belts and everything, just for peace of mind against those failing too in the future. Check out the kits at ecstuning.com or blauparts.com.

 

bradtyler02-It always idles rough unless it's been running for a while, I would say after about half an hour or so of driving it is not as rough. AND I am no mechanic, I suppose I could learn to do those things myself but seeing as I have no one around to teach me I don't want to go around screwing things up if you know what I mean.

 

Post up in the regional forum and ask about local members. Also, take a look at others' locations in their post headers and talk to those nearby to see if someone will help. It's really not a bad job and is by far the easiest car I've ever done a timing belt on.

Don't wait - do your t-belt soon. As for the rough idle, do a search for "seafoam" or check the DIY procedures at www.audiworld.com and www.audidiy.com and you'll find it. Do the vacuum system, oil, and fuel treatments. Check for vacuum leaks or failing check valves/pancake valves, and clean your electrical connections with contact cleaner. Try putting in extra battery grounds as well (a few of us have put ground webs in). Also, you could try a throttle body alignment to see if that helps.

 

+1 on the Seafoam. Did my treatment a couple months ago before I deployed, and I was amazed with the results. While it might not cure your problem, the car will run better anyway.

As with most things in life, you can learn as you go... starting with something simple like plugs and coils is a great way to start. Spending a couple hundred bucks on some good tools and a maintenance DIY book will more than pay for itself after just one DIY job instead of going to the mechanics. Start small, build some confidence and experience, and before you know it, you'll be tackling the big jobs (like a T-belt)! Having a friend who is a little mechanically inclined will help to...