A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi A4 produced from 1995-2001 B5 FAQ

Audi A4 Timing Broke While Driving In Freeway

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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 03:51 AM
  #11  
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Bad luck, and most likely unpreventable.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 05:08 AM
  #12  
Joey T
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Default Also ran out of oil?

You followed Audi's recomended oil change intervals. I would make a very large bet that the engine sludged, seized the cam and that is what took out the belt. I have an engine here with the same issue, same year, sime maintainance intervals.


Sadly, you only came here to do research on your car *after* you allowed it to be destroyed.


Where are you? I might be interested in buying your car after the dealership talks you out of fixiing it. I have replaced dozens of engines on these cars, never more than $6k.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 05:22 AM
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7 years? I'd NEVER let a belt last that long, even if I didn't drive the car ever.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 08:38 AM
  #14  
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Default 7 years isn't a long time for a belt. As long as there is no UV exposure or oil leaks,...

...the belt will remain in good shape for much longer.

I bet something else failed, not the belt.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 10:36 AM
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Default Probably the tensioner, but that's not the issue....

With the heat cycles, the constant tension, etc.. 7 years is a long time for any piece of rubber in my book.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:17 AM
  #16  
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call AoA
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:48 PM
  #17  
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Default Re: Audi A4 Timing Broke While Driving In Freeway

Are they offering you a warranty on the new engine? The timing belt doesn't have to be changed until 100,000 miles or something (check the user manual). If you have all your service records, you may have a strong case. The engines were warrantied for 8 years for sludging, but i believe this was only for the 1.8T's. If you trusted the dealer with the servicing of your car, the they shoulder some responsibility.

If they don't cover the engine, then you could pay the 10 grand and look at it from a silver lining point of view...finance the cost and you'll essentially have a brand new audi for 10K, minus the fancy GPS stuff, but who needs that anyways. Otherwise go for a used engine...a little bit risky if you don't know the service history, these engines don't fair well if not looked after 100%
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 01:25 PM
  #18  
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Default Levels of ozone in the 'local' atmosphere greatly influence the mechanical life of

rubber. Depending on where the OP is located 7 years could be a very long time ....
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 10:19 PM
  #19  
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Default Uh oh...

So are we saying I was stupid not to get my timing belt tensioner replaced along with the belt 4 months ago? My car is a 96 w/71,000 miles (babied).
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 08:03 AM
  #20  
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Default I think Audi changed that to 80k miles. Conventional wisdom is closer to 60k miles/5 years.

Either way I agree, dealership should take some responsibility. Talk to them about it and ask why/how the hell they failed to mention it as a service item.
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