Hi,
I just imported Audi A4 1.8T, 2003, from the US to Bosnia. I got a Maintenance book, without any entries, so I made a CARFAX report for the vehicle. The odometer shows 76.000 miles, so I thought it is a got time to change time belt, tensioner, tensioner idlers, pulley… the complete timing belt kit. I’ve just rode back from the garage, when they opened the engine cover, they said that everything looks perfectly new for them, but they can’t guarantee that the belt has been changed recently, they simply said it looks brand new but we are not 100% sure. I decided not to change anything yet. As you now, changing timing belt kit is around 1000$, and I didn’t change anything cause I wanted to consult people from the US regarding the following entry in the abovementioned CARFAX report:

03/26/2008

67,461 Service Plan Co. Service contract claim

Vehicle serviced
Engine serviced
Water pump
Fluids/lubricants

As you can see, some 10.000 miles ago, water pump has been changed. It doesn’t say anything about timing belt kit, but I’m wondering what could be the “Engine serviced” part of the report? In my country, when water pump has to be changed the service includes changing of belts and all other parts in the kit. Is it possible, or is it a practice in the US to change only water pump without changing the complete kit?

Any advice?

Best regards from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

 

Usually the belt would have been done, but we cant say for sure if it was. Does it give the name of the shop? If there is an audi dealer close by they will inspect your belt for free

 

Just pop off the timing belt cover and look at the belt, the outside of the belt should still have the writing on it if its less than 10k old. If its more than 20k the printing on the belt should have worn off.
Normally when a shop replaces the water pump its manditory to replace the belt because if any coolant gets on a rubber belt it could eat the rubber, causing it to snap. That puts a liability on the shop so they will replace it.

 

Thank you very much for your reply, timing belt really does have bright blue writing on. We gave contact for a few time until the writing has shown on the top and it looks brand new (almost like this)

Visible parts of other parts of the kit are also shining, as I said they look brand new.

Thank you again, best from Sarajevo, Bosnia,
Kemal