Serpentine/Timing Belt Repalcement
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
Serpentine/Timing Belt Repalcement
My shop wants $700 to replace the serpentine belt and $2100 to do the timing belt (which would include the serpentine belt).
I thinking of going for the $2100 but I through there were other parts that are wise to replace timing belt time such as the water pump, belt tensioner etc.
Any other suggestion on items to change at the same time the timing belt is changed?
Thanks,
I thinking of going for the $2100 but I through there were other parts that are wise to replace timing belt time such as the water pump, belt tensioner etc.
Any other suggestion on items to change at the same time the timing belt is changed?
Thanks,
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,994
Likes: 204
From: Lake Tapps, WA
When performing the timing belt maintenance, you should replace all parts that the belt rotates them because any one of them could fail and cause a piston to slam into a handging valve. So, you're correct to replace the items you listed. For the $2100 price tag, the shop should replace everything, including the thermostat, water pump, tensioner, idler, coolant, and of coarse, the toothed belt. Which engine do you have?
Last edited by A6Gary; Nov 30, 2011 at 10:22 PM.
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 34,430
Likes: 130
Low mileage for a belt replacement IMHO.
However, I agree with Gary that all related parts should be done if you do the belt. Do not skip the cam adjuster seals, and seriously consider replacing the little plastic pipe by the oil cooler.
However, I agree with Gary that all related parts should be done if you do the belt. Do not skip the cam adjuster seals, and seriously consider replacing the little plastic pipe by the oil cooler.
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,009
Likes: 191
From: Olney, MD
They're screwing you for 700 on the serp belt replacement..it's trivial with a TB service. Consider a more honest dealer/shop.
The serp belt replacement should just be for parts and maybe one hour extra labor for replacing serp belt tensioner and idlers.
What year car? 6-7 years and/or 90-105K for a TB is normal, serp belt should last 5-6 years as well.
As for the little cooling pipe...maybe replace but it's huge labor cost and you would just be replacing it with an OEM plastic bit at the dealer unless you forego the dealer/shop warranty and put in a bufkin aluminum pipe. If the car hasn't ever overheated chances are the coolant pipe will go 140K miles and 10 years. I agree it's a weak point but it's relatively reliable and the failure (cracks, leaks) generally gives a lot of warning..i.e., coolant on the floor underneath the passenger side at the front of the engine.
The serp belt replacement should just be for parts and maybe one hour extra labor for replacing serp belt tensioner and idlers.
What year car? 6-7 years and/or 90-105K for a TB is normal, serp belt should last 5-6 years as well.
As for the little cooling pipe...maybe replace but it's huge labor cost and you would just be replacing it with an OEM plastic bit at the dealer unless you forego the dealer/shop warranty and put in a bufkin aluminum pipe. If the car hasn't ever overheated chances are the coolant pipe will go 140K miles and 10 years. I agree it's a weak point but it's relatively reliable and the failure (cracks, leaks) generally gives a lot of warning..i.e., coolant on the floor underneath the passenger side at the front of the engine.
Tech Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,006
Likes: 2
I agree with the others, but to be clear: when its time for the TB you should do the entire job, meaning:
- timing belt
- water pump
- t-stat
- all rolling parts in contact with the belt (tensioner, idler..)
- serp belt.
The incremental labor for the serp belt is trivial. The 2nd tensioner is .. whatever it is.
You never do the serp belt job stand-alone, unless it breaks. It is not a critical failure (e.g.; when it breaks, nothing bad happens except your car stops running)
OTOH, if the TB breaks, your valves are toast. Many $k
The reason you do the H2O pump etc is that THEY are the cause of the TB failure. It doesn;t just break - its kevlar reinforced rubber.
G
- timing belt
- water pump
- t-stat
- all rolling parts in contact with the belt (tensioner, idler..)
- serp belt.
The incremental labor for the serp belt is trivial. The 2nd tensioner is .. whatever it is.
You never do the serp belt job stand-alone, unless it breaks. It is not a critical failure (e.g.; when it breaks, nothing bad happens except your car stops running)
OTOH, if the TB breaks, your valves are toast. Many $k
The reason you do the H2O pump etc is that THEY are the cause of the TB failure. It doesn;t just break - its kevlar reinforced rubber.
G
Trending Topics
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I agree with the others, but to be clear: when its time for the TB you should do the entire job, meaning:
- timing belt
- water pump
- t-stat
- all rolling parts in contact with the belt (tensioner, idler..)
- serp belt.
The incremental labor for the serp belt is trivial. The 2nd tensioner is .. whatever it is.
You never do the serp belt job stand-alone, unless it breaks. It is not a critical failure (e.g.; when it breaks, nothing bad happens except your car stops running)
OTOH, if the TB breaks, your valves are toast. Many $k
The reason you do the H2O pump etc is that THEY are the cause of the TB failure. It doesn;t just break - its kevlar reinforced rubber.
G
- timing belt
- water pump
- t-stat
- all rolling parts in contact with the belt (tensioner, idler..)
- serp belt.
The incremental labor for the serp belt is trivial. The 2nd tensioner is .. whatever it is.
You never do the serp belt job stand-alone, unless it breaks. It is not a critical failure (e.g.; when it breaks, nothing bad happens except your car stops running)
OTOH, if the TB breaks, your valves are toast. Many $k
The reason you do the H2O pump etc is that THEY are the cause of the TB failure. It doesn;t just break - its kevlar reinforced rubber.
G
Valve cover gaskets
Camshaft Valley Seals
Rear Camshaft End Cap Seals
anythingelse?
i ask, as i have been bitten by not changing everything, during my last timing belt change, and a definitive list would be very handy indeed.
Apologies if this is already in the forum
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
2026 Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide (Every Model Explained)
Brett Foote
Ranking Every Current Audi 'S' Model From Worst to First!
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Audis That are FINALLY LEGAL to Import to the U.S.!
Joe Kucinski
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,009
Likes: 191
From: Olney, MD
To quote BB...don't fix what ain't broken.
It's one thing to do scheduled maintenance on items such as TB and idlers and serp belts, water pumps, etc., but I have to disagree on Valve cover gaskets, Camshaft Valley Seals and Rear Camshaft End Cap Seals. If they're not leaking leave them alone!
It's one thing to do scheduled maintenance on items such as TB and idlers and serp belts, water pumps, etc., but I have to disagree on Valve cover gaskets, Camshaft Valley Seals and Rear Camshaft End Cap Seals. If they're not leaking leave them alone!