Hey everyone,

I'm back in the world of Audi after buying a 2003 A4 3.0quattro yesterday. The only point of concern I have is with the timing belt (of course).

The guy claimed that the first owner replaced it before he bought it - but didn't have the records for the job. He bought the car at 80k and it now has 137k - so if the job was done around 70 then the car should be almost getting to the point of needing another replacement. If the job was never done, it is long overdue for one!

I would really appreciate it if you guys could spare a minute to take a quick look at the pictures I've attached of the timing belt. If you look closely and zoom in - you can see tiny cracks developing. Do I need to replace it ASAP? or is this normal for a belt with 60k on it?

Thanks!

Timing belt pics - Imgur

 

yes well over due a change

 

Seems good

 

a 1000$-1500$ timing belt job, is cheaper than used heads at 2200$ for a set...

Do the belt if in doubt, unless you want to be stranded when it finally snaps and the heads seize up.

 

Agreed - between seeing what looks like dry-rot on the belt, plus 137k miles with no proof of a change, do the timing job (all of it - t-belt, accessory belts, idler and tensioner rollers, thermostat, water pump, coolant change). You will have a very expensive failure if you ignore it. Might not be this summer, but it's coming.

 

I would suggest if you are on the for the belt - put on a new waterpump and tensioner while you are in there

Kits come with a discount are well worth the money