UofM_Audi

I have read a lot about people changing their timing belts. Is there really a reason to change these? Are these belt made of rubber or are they a metal chain? When should the timing belt be replaced? I have a 95 A6 with just under 70k.

Thanks for the info.

srigs

Find a good mechanic. (Looks like your in the twin cities, I have a good one so let me know if you want his name.)

Replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump and thermostat very 60K miles. Timing belt is made of rubber and if it breaks you will damage your engine because the cylinder heads will hit and bend your 12 valves (interference type of engine) which is big dollars.

Seattle Scott

belt needs to be removed. A typical failure is the pump leaks, sprays water on tensioners, pump or tensioner "seizes" and breaks the belt.

Doesn't happen in the majority of cars but a busted timing belt will cost around $4000 at least. The 2.8 12v is an interference engine, i.e. the pistons can hit the valves if the timing between the camshafts and pistons isn't correct.

Another way to look at it is by the time you hit 180k you either change the belt twice or three times.

Wick

90k miles. That's what Audi says. If a failure worries you, change it every 10k. Hell, every 5k.

UofM_Audi

Thanks for the info. I am actually in Michigan.
Do you know how much it might be to replace the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, etc?

thanks again.

ARK

Probably $600 to $800.

beep-beep

You can save by ordering parts online.

audijim113

My 92 100 CS is close to 170K miles. The belt was changed once back around 90K. It is about $500-600 job, so I plan to do it myself this time, especially since I was downsized and working for about 1/4 previous salary. By the way, I am from Michigan too, but further west, near the lake.

I bought all the stuff needed, Belts (timing and serpentine), rollers, tensions, water, pump, thermostat, cam and crank seals (seals just in case) from a guy I found online. All that stuff was about $200 bucks.

The stuff all arrived and it is genuine parts. I'm waiting for a warm day to do it. Send me an email direct if you want to know more. I'm also posting a separate message on this next.

audijim113

I got all the stuff to do my t-belt and wonder about the "tool" to hold the cams in place. Is this really needed? Can I screw up and get the cams out of time? I have a Bently and it says to use the tool, but buying it would add to the cost of the job. By the next time a t-belt is needed on this car, I hope to have a real job and get a newer car.

By the way, is including the name of the guy who gave me good prices for stuff a forum no-no?