My car just broke 90k and the timing belt will need to be changed soon. What do you all recommend also be changed at the same time?

1. Water pump
2. Cam shaft follower
3. ?

 

3. Timing Belt tensioner
4. Timing Belt idler
5. Thermostat
6. Serpentine Belt
7. Flush and refill coolant

 

the potential cam follower issue was phased out halfway through the 2007 model. the new one has a roller type design. i have the old style and i took out the original follower after 4 years and it looked perfectly fine.

ps. i thought the interval for the timing belt is 109,000 miles (175,000 km).

 

I'd add the water pump here after all it is cheap at this stage of the work. So considering you're paying the dealer $1000-$1200 a $50 WP is cheap. If you leave the old one and it blows then it's just like replacing the timing belt again.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't "Water pump" [sic] item #1 on the list?

 

Yes but it appeared he was asking if he should change it.

 

Yep, water pump that is number one on the list for that exact reason. Cheap part should be done at the same time. Same reason I listed the follower which hopefully isn't an issue. I didn't list the timing belt as, well, the question was what else to change.

My manual says 115k miles for the belt, but I plan on doing it around 100k. I put around 500 to 600 miles a week on my car so it will get here sooner than I want.

 

Cam follower doesn't have to be done with timing belt as it can be done separate as it is in a total different location, items I would/did change are as follows..

Water pump
timing belt +tensioner
Relay rollers (2)
Serpentine belt +tensioner
Coolant is a for sure
Also I would replace all new hardware for what you take out as some are stretch bolts and should not be re-used, relay rollers come with the bolts but I believe the TB tensioner doesnt come with a new washer and nut.

Personally I use all Genuine VW/Audi parts as I have heard of OEM water pumps and bearings blowing out premature but there are also lots who have no problems so to each his own..

 

Hmmm, the TB tensioner I got from BLAUParts came with a new washer and bolt.

 

I have some mechanical knowledge and think I may tackle this myself (with help), but what are relay rollers? That is a new term to me.

If I don't do it I plan on finding an independent that has worked on Audi's and sourcing the parts myself (my brother is a service advisor and he can get parts at 10% over cost at any of their dealerships which they have an Audi). I do plan on using mostly Audi parts.