How do I know if the timing belt was changed by the person I purchased my car from? Currently my 2000 A4 has 106,000 and the dash is telling me "Service!" which is most likely referring to the timing belt.

IF it was changed and the computer was not reset, how do I know if it should truly be replaced? Id hate to spend the money on it if it was replaced within the last 10,000 miles...

So is there anyway to look at the timing belt to see if it needs to be replaced?

 

the "service" light generally means an oil change was done(or not done) without resetting it.

 

It can be hard to tell, the service light doesn't necessarily mean it's due for the timing belt service. It should definitely have been done once already. If you're not sure and have no proof when it was done best bet is to just get it done asap. If its never been done you're on borrowed time at 106k. Better to spend a few hundred now than to need a $3-5000 engine rebuild later.

 

A few hundred dollars? Timing belt and water pump is easily $1400 at my VW dealer and more at the audi dealer.. i do have a garage that will do it for $600 however.

ps i wouldnt dare try it myself!

 

So there is no way to have someone look at the belt to check usage?

 

^^^^^
no

 

Also, the garage wanted to save me $100 for a rebuilt waterpump. Any suggestions on this?

 

Dude go on ebay get a kit timing belt water pump gaskets , belt tensioner and alternator belts for 260 and then find somebody to put them on

 

or just buy the kit from ecstuning.com...

 

Most kits from reputable sources will include a new water pump. I'm not sure how much these kits cost for 2.8s but for 1.8t they're usually around $350. I'd just get a brand new one, this isn't the service you'll want to cheap out on. And don't disount your local members, I'm not sure how the crowd is in WI but here we have a few real cool guys who are willing to help out with a wrench. See if you have anyone like this near by, make a new friend and get this done cheaper than any shop can.