This is an A$ 1.8t Quattro 88,000 miles on it! Bought the car for cheap but need the belt done ASAP!

Judging by the pics how much time do I have and is this normal?
Also how can i check the belt to make sure it will last a few more miles?

The belt seems to be off a little but all the teath are there and no sign of wear, also it doesnt sway when the engine is running.

 

Don't procrastinate on this one. You can get a timing belt kit for less than $400. Congrats on your purchase.

 

yeah there's no fool proof way to judge how much time you've got by looking at the belt. It might look good when you check it and blow up the next day. The $2k top end rebuild isn't worth the chance. blauparts has a really good kit for a couple hundred bucks.

here

 

Your at the miles where its a good idea to do it. I'd rather spend the money early then have to spend 3-4x more when it breaks. I know that the Bentley manual says 105k for the 00-01 idk what it says on the earlier ones though but I would always do it at about 80k. I've seem them go out at 90.

 

the belt isnt the problem usually its the tensioner

 

True, but there's even less of a chance you'd be able to tell a bad tensioner by lookin at it. The blauparts kit comes with all kinds of other cool **** that should be replaced anyway, so you might as well just do it.

 

Best 2nd post ever.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll definatly check out blauparts, thanks CCA4!

No worries guys I just need to drive it to the mechanics house! So as long as it lasts that far i'm cool!

 

+1
my buddy works at a engine builder shop. he showed me a piston from a 1.8t that was F'ed up by valves hitting it.
He claims that they have seen them failing as early as 60k, but i dont know what generation. Like everyone says, just do it so you wont have to worry about it.

 

There is a letter going around recommending owners to have their belts inspected. Any good dealer will recommend belt replacement by 80K miles.

Replace the water pump while you're at it.