OT: 2000 Audi A4 2.8L Quattro Timing Belt Replacement

[jmsalt1]

I'm the original owner of this car and over the years I've been on top of the service (100% done at Audi of Westmont). Yes, i know I've paid more going there but they have treated me very well over the years as a repeat customer not to mention I bought the car there. I recently became aware of the fact that they only replaced the serpentine belt and not the timing belt when I had service performed on it around 75k miles in April 2010. For some reason i thought i did the timing belt at that time but think i just confused it w our MDX which did get the timing belt done about the same time in 2010. The Audi is now at about 91k and I am driving on borrowed time w/ the original timing belt! Yes, I know this car is done for all practical purposes if the belt goes and dings the valves. Given it's age, the replacement of an engine probably isn't in the cards.

I want to get the timing belt done. I've researched it, pretty decent size job on this car. Given the age of the vehicle, I am considering options outside the dealership. Anyone have a good certified mechanic that works on imports?

 

[skunkmere]

call jose Dohc

 

[jmsalt1]

I should mention, I'm in Elmhurst.

 

[wantsalotta]

Service interval on the timing belt is 105k, your not on borrowed time yet. If you were closer, I could do it for you. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone down there.

 

[Joe5688]

I'm the original owner of this car and over the years I've been on top of the service (100% done at Audi of Westmont). Yes, i know I've paid more going there but they have treated me very well over the years as a repeat customer not to mention I bought the car there. I recently became aware of the fact that they only replaced the serpentine belt and not the timing belt when I had service performed on it around 75k miles in April 2010. For some reason i thought i did the timing belt at that time but think i just confused it w our MDX which did get the timing belt done about the same time in 2010. The Audi is now at about 91k and I am driving on borrowed time w/ the original timing belt! Yes, I know this car is done for all practical purposes if the belt goes and dings the valves. Given it's age, the replacement of an engine probably isn't in the cards.

I want to get the timing belt done. I've researched it, pretty decent size job on this car. Given the age of the vehicle, I am considering options outside the dealership. Anyone have a good certified mechanic that works on imports?

Jose might not do Timing belts on audis. Talk to him first. If he doesn't/cant i know a guy who specializes in it.

 

[jmsalt1]

Service interval on the timing belt is 105k, your not on borrowed time yet. If you were closer, I could do it for you. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone down there.

Interestingly enough, the owner's manual is basically worthless with regards to specifying an interval for timing belt replacement. It specifies replacement of the "ribbed belt" = serpentine belt at 80k. I did it at 75k as mentioned above. The owners manual is worthless on the timing belt, and I quote, "Timing Belt - Your engine is equipped with a long lasting toothed belt. The belt will be inspected and replaced during a scheduled Maintenance Service."

Really!? Could they be more vague? I thought 13 1/4 years and almost 92k miles was pushing it but maybe not. I am trying to take age, mileage & our weather conditions into consideration.

 

[Joe5688]

Being that old and that close to mileage, if u have the money get it done early. Your not hurting anything.

 

[wantsalotta]

Not to mention it would be multiple thousands of dollars to repair both cylinder heads if it breaka....

 

[DopeCantWin]

Interestingly enough, the owner's manual is basically worthless with regards to specifying an interval for timing belt replacement. It specifies replacement of the "ribbed belt" = serpentine belt at 80k. I did it at 75k as mentioned above. The owners manual is worthless on the timing belt, and I quote, "Timing Belt - Your engine is equipped with a long lasting toothed belt. The belt will be inspected and replaced during a scheduled Maintenance Service."

Really!? Could they be more vague? I thought 13 1/4 years and almost 92k miles was pushing it but maybe not. I am trying to take age, mileage & our weather conditions into consideration.

Get the next oil change done at a quality place and have them inspect it?

 

[Joe5688]

I can tell u if u have someone check it its going to get recommended. They really don't show signs unless they are really bad and start cracking.

 

[wantsalotta]

Yeah, I have seen vw/audi toothed belts fail, and look fine by way of quick visual inspection. Definitely time to plan on replacement, I was not meaning to tell you to wait til 105k, it was merely your not on too thin of ice yet.

 

[jmsalt1]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm looking into getting it done so feel free to PM me if you have a good contact. Joe, I think you mentioned that you have one.

There is a great YouTube video of a guy changing one from start to finish that is shown sped up. It is pretty cool. They pull the front bumper and all to get proper access. Crazy.

 

[Joe5688]

Yeah its quite a bit of work

 

[wantsalotta]

Two hours if I hustle

 

[jmsalt1]

I still don't have any names locally. Working the dealership hard to see where they come in. I think I'm going to check out a place on Spring Road here in Elmhurst called Mehta Motors. It's been over 10 years since I've been in there.

 

[wantsalotta]

If you don't like what you hear, plan a Saturday trip to Milwaukee. I'll hook you up! I am VW master certified, one of 246 VW master techs in the country....

 

[Midnightt]

I have a few people out this way that can do it. Let me know if your still looking and I can ask them all. 1 of them was an Audi mechanic for years, the other 2 just opened garages. All near the Elgin area.

 

[jmsalt1]

Thanks guys. The work is done and she's running like a champ. Here's to another 90k! The belt looked almost as good as new after 13 years and over 90k miles. I was surprised how good it looked but maybe they can look good but still be degraded to some extent. Anyway, I don't have to think about it anymore.

 

[jfuka78]

Good to hear, knock on wood I am at 177k on my timing belt. 03 accord.

Who are these mechanics in Elgin you speak of?

Just paid 250 to have the rear abs tcs sensor changed out. I do most of my own reapirs but this one had me for a loop. Definitely do not want to tackle the timing belt