I drive an audi s4 2001. I brought my car in for service to repair things covered under warranty. I have about 58,000 miles on it. I got a new clutch at about 46,000. The service representative recommends getting the timing belt replacementt($1450), along with the major servives($950). What would likely happen if i didnt get them done now, and also what could happen. I would like to get an opinion if its essential to do now or if i can wait another 20,000 miles. Could it cause any other problems to the motor if I waited a while to get this done. Anyone who can give me an opinion or experience thank you ,

Lou

 

The timing belt is essential to have changed. If it goes or any componant in the system, your engine will be trash. With interferance engines the pistons can strike the valves if the timing is off or uncontrolled. I would not pay the dealer to change it though. You can find a good euro mechanic to replace everything for less than $700.

 

At 58k you are in the range to start thinking about replacing the belt. I'v heard so many diffeent intervals it's hard to believe which one to follow. Audi says around 105k for the belt. I've heard of belts breaking between 60 and 85k. So I dunno. Depends on how you drive. If you scream around all day in hi rev's then change it soon. I just did mine last week (under $400 DIY) at 101k. But I drive like grandpa unless you know......... it's worth my while to show off.

 

Jest wasnt there a post you put up about the timing belt.. if it goes and destroys your engine before a certain amount of miles (I think 100k +) that audi would take care of it... it was something like that

 

I have a 99 A4 1.8T and my timing belt tensioner broke at 79K miles. I tried to get Audi to pay for it last November and they told me to have a nice day and don't let the door hit ya' where the good lord split ya'.

I recieved a class action settlement notification from VW / Audi USA and they are going to reimburse me for the $3K I spent to have my engine rebuilt. If your timing belt hasn't failed, they're extending the warranty to 105K miles.

 

Do you have any more info on the extension of this warranty. I picked up an 02 a4 quatro on monday and it has 64,000 miles. I know that the maintanance schedule says 105k but I have also read all the posts here to do it at 65000 to 85000k If the warranty is extended than I will relax.

thanks

 

If only ya'll had told me before I passed 100K,[:@]

 

Mine is a 99, 1.8T and the letter I recieved was for 97-99's with the 1.8T engine only.

 

Audi actually issued a recall for timing belt inspection on the 97-99 1.8s. I personally would suggest replacment at 60k along with the tensioner and idler rollers. Ive seen both of those fail along with a bunch of belt failures right after 60k miles. The v6's dont seem to have as many early failures. Matter of fact, i,ve only seen one fail.

 

My timing belt broke at around 65k. I was VERY lucky and no damage to the engine, but my mechanic told me I was wicked close to destroying some valves.