ProfileTrader

Need some advice. I have a 1997 A4 2.8L AFC (12v) non-quattro.
The timing belt was last replaced 7yrs 3mos ago. However only 22k on the belt in those 7 years. Do you think I need to replace - opinions.


Thanks so much for the help.

Rusty Spokes

Timing belt replacement "by the book" is/was every 90,000 miles, with no indication of time limits.

Experience shows about every 80,000 miles is wiser with a new water pump, pulleys and thermostat.

As far as the time question. I would inspect the timing belt for cracks and obvious wear. Other manufactures suggest a time limit of 8 years (Lexus) but VW and Audi do not.

Check the timing belt for wear and the water pump for leaks. If they are doing fine..just roll on.

ProfileTrader

Rusty, thanks for the response and time. I am new to working on the Audi and learning.. so what is the best way to see if the water pump is leaking. Must the car be running or can you see a remnant of a leak. I am having some overheating issues but was told the fan clutch was very bad - so I intend on replacing that and the expansion tank (has a few small cracks).

Thanks again.

Rusty Spokes

Look around the front of the engine..the water pump is behind the front cover(s)..if you see traces of dry coolant around there..well..time to take the covers off and look some more. The car will not have to be running.

Once you have the coolant bottle and fan clutch done..pressure test the system and check for leaks. Replace the coolant bottle pressure cap too..if it is original.

ProfileTrader

Thanks again for the help. Appreciated.