nixonneckweasel

My '03 allroad just crossed 100k and has a small coolant leak. I was away from home over the holidays when the leak started and was forced to take it to the dealership. They diagnosed a water pump and timing belt. The water pump system failed a pressure test at 5psi. The service specialist said the system runs at 12-13psi. The package they tried to sell me was $1355 for parts and labor. I declined.

The drive back home was around 8 hours. I only finger tight closed the coolant reservoir cap. My logic was that this would help prevent the system from pressurizing fully and minimize the coolant leakage. After about 1 hour or so the coolant reservoir was empty and the dash warning came on. I was able to stop and fill up with coolant from the surplus I brought along for the trip. Strangely, in the remaining 7 hours of the drive I only had to barely top off the reservoir - probably adding about 6-10oz of coolant.

Now that I'm back home I called around to my local Audi shops (I'm in the market for a new one - the coolant issue is partly why). After reading the tech sheet for the 2.7T timing belt, I decided doing it myself is likely outside my comfort zone. The best price I was quoted over the phone was $1200 for parts/labor/tax. I'm fairly confident the car actually needs this work done. I've read timing belt is around 65-105k miles and the coolant issue is definitely real. Does that seem like a reasonable price?

It being a 2003 2.7T with 100k+ on it I'm debating whether it is worth getting the work done. I love the car. It has a new coil suspension, new CV boots and hasn't given me too many problems. The last mechanic I took it to thought it was due for all new upper control arms in the near future though too.

So... long story short. Coolant leak, water pump and timing belt, with the possibility of control arms soon. Keep it? I would love for this car to run to 200k! Are there any other bigger issues that come up in the AR after 100k?

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!

John's MTM Allroad

I have a 2002 2.7T and have changed out the turbos a couple of times for more power. Your turbos could last another 50 - 100k, don't know. My alternator went out at 120k. I have never had issues with the actual engine and now have 150k. If you have an automatic, then that may be where you will start to have issues since you have a 2003 and Audi didn't sort out the transmission issues until later 2004 models. Having said all that, you have a very solid, safe and sturdy car which should last you a while. I have had mine almost 10 years and have no intention of replacing it anytime soon.
Cheers,
John

nixonneckweasel

Thanks John! How much was your alternator? Also, do you have any idea about how much a new transmission would be? Given all the potential future repairs I was going to try to add them up and see if it's worth it.

Thanks again!

Mike B

Wow! TB service for $1200. My guess is that they are not doing the whole thing, or you live in a very special part of the world. My dealer quoted $2900 and I got it done by an indy for $2200.
Make sure they do the whole job: timing belt, idlers, serpentine belt, water pump and metal water pump housing.
Good luck.
PS. tell me where you live so that the next time one of my ar's needs service I can get it done cheaply

nixonneckweasel

Haha I'm in Salt Lake City actually. He quoted me for TB and water pump with all new rollers, tensioners, thermometer, etc for $1200 after parts, labor and tax. Well I feel better about that price now! In searching the forums I found someone who claimed to have gotten TB and WP for like $850... but I guess $1200 isn't too bad.

How many miles is your 2002 AR up to Mike? Anything else come up for you after the TB+WP? Thanks!!

G0to60

I've rattled off this list a few other times but this will give you a decent idea of what a high mileage allroad may need.

Fuel pump - 155k miles
Front PS axle - 163k miles
Upper & Lower front control arms - 165k miles
ICM replacement - 167k miles
ATF change - 176k miles
Secondary water pump - 183k miles
Coolant expansion tank - 183k miles
Hazard Switch - 188k miles
Aux cooling fan - 189k miles
Front & rear brakes - 192k miles

I left off any of the air suspension stuff since that doesn't apply to you any more. Coming up I will need to do the timing belt service and I also have an oil leak (valve cover gaskets & cam seals) and a coolant leak (DS turbo coolant line). The last one looks to require the engine to be pulled (bummer) so I may replace other soft parts "while I'm in there".

Up to this point I have spent $3000 over the last three years on repairs but I have done them myself so I have saved on labor costs.

dmaxn

I now perform my own TB job, but my mechanic charges $820: Edge Motors - Specials