I got a used 1999 A4 1.8T tip. I bought a timing belt kit and started taking everything apart. Got to the timing belt and saw a new tensioner on it. The belt looks in good condition.

Unfortunately I didn't buy it from the previous owner and I have no records for the car.

How can I find out when it was done? The car has 97K miles on it.

 

If it was done at an Audi dealership than it should be on the service record, otherwise you have no way of finding out except through possible reciepts. Don't just assume it was done because it looks new, they can look brand new up until the day they snap.

 

The tentioner looks like the new design. I'm calling some audi dealers to see what info I can find but no luck so far.

 

why don't you just go forth and replace the belt for peace of mind

 

totally agree

 

Looks like that is what I'm going to do as I couldn't get anymore info. I tried to contact the previous owner but can't get a correct number for him.

 

its called peace of mind mate and will increase the resale value if you keep the receipts

 

I'm half way there. It's actually easier than I thought. I'm replacing the water pump and thermostat now butI'm missing a 24mm bit to open the oil pump pully. I'll get it later and hopefuly be done with it by tomorrow afternoon.

 

Good call going forward. Ditto with the pump!

 

FWI, I finished the whole job by myself in about 8 hours total. I spend about 2-2.5 hours in 4 sessions over 2 days. It was a lot easier than what I have thought. The hardest part was removing the front bumper.

While I was in there I saw that I need to replace a CV joint boot, The front suspentsion arms (decided to order a full kit) and the tie rods. That's the next big project. After that I will replace the engine oil. I'm going to remove the oil sump and check fro sludge and also completely replace the transmission fluid and transmission filter while I'm there.