I just replaced the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and rollers on my 96 A6. It was my first time doing it and 6 hours later it was done. I bought the car used with 150K on it and not having any history, it had to be done. So I researched this a bit and found this site and these 2 others very useful http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng42.shtml and http://www.12v.org/maintenance/repairs/tbelt.php. I bought the parts kit from ECS tuning (there are 3 different kits for my year based on the VIN number). With careful planning and the right tools on hand (rent/buy/make a camshaft holding tool) this project went smoothly. The one thing I found out is that with my A6 there is enough room between the front of the engine and the radiator fans so that I DID NOT have to remove the front end, a big plus.

 

Congratulations! Definitely not for the faint of heart.

 

I have to do a timmingbelt on my 96 also.

Is there a link to that parts kit.

 

This is the link I found my stuff on. Remember that the kits are specific to the car's VIN.
ECS Tuning
They seem very knowledgable and helpful.

 

Thanks, I took a look at my Tbelt and it is relatively new, the water pum is til somewhat shiny and it has a new roller to. I think it will be fine, the belt's teeth still have no wear at all and have the cut grooves on them.

I did however change the serpintine belt and the plugs.

 

FYI... most of the time, it is NOT the belt that fails, but one of the rollers. I've read numerous posts about people who had a roller fail when the belt looked just fine.

 

well I saw a brand new part on the right side of the engine if you looked at it from the front.