timing belt
 

I have a timing belt with just over 80k on it. It definitely needs to be changed. unfortunately, I don't have the money to buy the timing belt and water pump. how imperative is it that I do the water pump?I know it's something that I should do but right now just can't. I know if the timing belt goes it will ruin the motor. but if the water pump goes, other than the hassle of taking the front end apart again, what will happen? also, does anyone make a timing chain conversion kit?

The 2.0TFSI is an interference engine so this means if the timing belt fails, the pistons will hit the valves and bend them. Audi manual says recommended interval is 110K miles but most folks would do it sooner than that. if you wait and it breaks, I doubt that Audi will do much to help compensate you.


Water pump and timing belt are typically done at the same time since most of the labour is spent opening things up. If the water pump siezes, it could jam the timing belt which would then impact the valves.


All boils down to risk of somthing happening and how bad the impact might be for collateral damage and repair - only you can make that final decision.


My 2c worth...


Not aware of any belt to chain conversions.

On 2.0T cars, the belt is very heavy duty, similar to TDI timing belts. I would not worry to go 90-100k on the belt. Like he said, interval according to Audi is 110k.

Older 1.8T cars had a different material timing belt, and were known to have failures in the 80-100k and are strongly recommended to be done by 80k.