There have been complaints about the belt tensioner pulley going bad, and making a squeaking sound, but I've never actually heard one of those go bad and start chirping. Might be worth a look.

 

Hi all, first time here. I have a 2005 Audi A4 1.8t cabriolet w/50k on it. Back in Aug 2011 i took the car to a very reputable independent Audi mechanic in Pasadena CA. At that time the car may have had 45k on it. They recommended changing the timing belt ASAP as, according to them, it had some signs of cracking, most likely due to the "dry weather here in LA." This seems way premature. The car spent first two years (and first 20k miles) in Sarasota FL and then rest of time here in LA. I obviously don't drive it much. Does this seem right to have to change the timing belt so soon?

thanks

 

As far as your squeeking goes it could be a few things but I would say if you replace the serpentine belt tensioner and belt it will probably go away, if you are close to doing your timing belt I would have it all done at the same time since you are already in there...

 

Sounds more like they were talking about the serpentine belt.

 

i have been using mobil 1 0W-40 for my audi since day 1. it's all i use and i don't plan on changing it. once the oil is up to operating temperature, the viscosities of 0W-40 and 5W-40 are basically the same. most wear occurs at cold starts so the 0W offers an advantage there.

 

I couldn't have said it better, 0W-40 > 5W-40.

 

The 1.8 motors timing belts are recommended to be changed at 90,000 miles. The 2.0t 115,000 miles. Don't delay past the 90,000 miles in the 1.8. I've heard multiple horror stories of the belt failing shortly after 90,000 miles.

 

Thanks guys. Will be taking the A4 to the shop next weekend to have a look at the noise that I get on a cold start.

I was wondering where everyone is buying Rotella T6 0W 40. I literally called every store possible that would sell this, and none of them have it!

 

While I may be wrong, I don't believe there is such a thing as Rotella T6 0W-40; that said, I buy Rotella T6 5W-40 for my son's 1998 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro. If you go to the Shell web site there is a way to look up all local suppliers based upon your zip code.