Hello,

I tried to search for this, but can't find any posts with with my particular situation.

I have an Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8T 2005 with 37k miles on the clock. The service schedule recommends replacing the belt at 115k miles, but when I call my local Audi dealership to enquire about servicing, they recommend replacing the timing belt at the next service. Are they being overzealous and trying to get more of my money, or should it be replaced given its age (6 years old)?

Also, I will be selling the A4 in about 5 months to upgrade to a newer model.

Thanks

Rich S

 

your at a fairly low milage. i would visually inspect the timing belt and if there arent any cracks in it then i would tell them to shove it.

 

+1 on that. 37k is way too early from a mileage standpoint, the dealer just wants your money! You need to inspect for cracking. Pull off the engine cover and unclip the timing belt cover clips and you can get a good look at the timing belt.

I have a 2003 A4 1.8t with almost 93k on it. Didn't mean to go that long with it but stuff happens. Doing the tbelt this weekend as it is showing cracking at every tooth.

 

I suppose it's possible it could be cracking just from age, but I'd definitely pull back the cover and get a look before doing the belt at that mileage - my '02 didn't get its belt changed until 71K miles, and that was last year, making it 8 years old at the time. Normally they're done between 70-80K miles, though obviously if it's got significant cracking, doing it earlier might be a good idea.

 

Audi's recommendation is around 60 - 65k..... Most dealers start to sell them around 70 - 75k.
I don't know where you got the idea of 135k, because most belts will break around 90 - 95k.

 

Audi's NEW recommendation is 60-65k, it used to be 115k. That got changed after they ate countless timing belt repairs and law suits. Disregard what your owner's manual says, change it before 80k, no exceptions. Audi tek is right, most break in the 90k range.