I have a 2002 Audi A4 1.8T FWD (83,000miles), its been discovered that the camshaft seal is leaking and fortunately because I have extended warranty the costs are covered both for the parts and 4.4hrs of labor involving "removing and replacing timing belt". My mechanic is recommending me to do the timing belt service so as to make use of this opportunity. But still he is charging 2.5hrs of labor (in addition to the 4.4hrs covered by extended warranty) and part coming to a total of about $600.00. Is this reasonable?

 

i can't believe nobody has replied to this, Tbelt service is a big issue with B6 A4 line.

Dealer on average will run $900 to $1200 for the timing belt service. For them, they bill a whole day job.

I have a friend that took it outside of dealership - she got it done for $800

Parts alone are only in the neighborhood of $200 and there are DIYs on Audizine I believe.

If you're getting the whole service for $600 I'd say you're getting a good deal, just make sure the shop is reputable and make sure they sign off of that estimate because like i said, dealer quotes a full day. Make sure he does the water pump, tensioner, and change your other belts while there (ac, etc)

 

PS, i'm not sure where the B6 thermostat is, but if it's anywhere behind the belt assemblies close the the block, good idea to add that to the list while all those parts are out.

 

The thermostat on the B5 I beleive is under the water pump I think its the same for B6.Yes definatly change thermostat, water pump, all belts, tensioners.Its just a short matter of time before those will fail.Also yes get the price in writing for all these rapairs otherwise they'll nail you for atleast a few hundred more bucks if you don't have it in writing.

 

Thanks for your reply guys... I was told that since I have extended warranty if my timing belt fails then they would cover the expenses including labour. Only condition is that I should have changed the timing belt as per factory recommended maintenance schedule which is 105k as per Audi and I have done only around 83k. Only if I don't perform timing belt service before 105k and then the belt fails, then I am on my own to take care of the car. So I am planning to skip this time and keep it running either until it breaks (this will be taken care by extended warranty) or it is about to reach 105k or until I trade it in for a new Audi. Correct me if I am wrong. Would you guys still want me to change the timing belt now or wait...

 

I don't think it makes sense to spend $600 bucks if your covered if it breaks later.I would hold out if the warranty would cover thehead, cams,valves,+ labor later on down the road.You should be good for a year or two until you reach 105k.Just find out all the details and weight out your options cost wise and trade it in next year if thats what your looking to do.

 

I would like to go with ur suggestion.Can someone tell me what parts will go wrong when the belt fails. If I know this then I will talk to the warranty company and find out if they will cover it or not.

Thanks for all your help so far. I really really feel this forum is great!!!

 

The Audi engines are interference type. That means when the cam stops turning the pistons will ram into the valves. Bent valves and damaged pistons. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

PARTS AND ESTIMATE ON SOME OF THE PARTS
Cylinder head complete with cams & valves $2000
timing belt kit $250
Gasket kit $150
+ $200-500 misc, bolts, belts, fluids???
Labor $600-2000 who knows what they nail you for.
I think you'd end up paying atleast $4000 and thats not including water pump, thermostat and other general stuff that should be change while your in there.

If you change the parts yourself and find someone to rebuild your head.You could do the job for about $1500.Trust me I know I picked up my A4 from a friend when the timing belt went out on him.I got semi lucky when I pulled the head off the pistons were Ok.I thinkI had 6 valves bent so I bought a rebuilt one for$800and sent mine to them for a core to rebuild.It did not include the cam chain tensioner or cam chain.So I think that was about$200 bucks more + gaskets head bolts water pump,gaskets, ETC...

 

I had my timing belt done on my B5 1.8T by a local import shop for $735 otd. That included the water pump, tensioner, pulleys, thermostat & gasket, and all belts. $600 doesn't sound too bad at all.