Timing Belt... timing...
 

I have a '00 S4 with very low mileage (54k)... I know that most recommend that a timing belt replacement be done at a higher mileage, but given the time factor (the car is 10 years old now) - is that something I should be concerned about? When should I look to have it done? Any particular mileage someone would suggest?

also - roughly, how much should it cost? (realistically)? Anyone in the Atlanta area have any suggestions on locations to get such a service done? I'd rather not go to the dealerships...

I would try to get your timing belt, tensioner, water pump, etc replaced as soon as possible. Age and mileage should both be taken into consideration when dealing with a timing belt.

I have a 2002 S4 with 65,000 miles and will be getting mine done in the next 2 months. I think the stearlership said about $1,300. If you do it yourself I think I say kits out there for maybe $250 - 350?

I'd rather get it done sooner than having to worry about if it breaks having to shell out enough money to replace the engine.

Get it done as soon as you can due to the age on the belt. Otherwise, 75K on a belt is about right according to the sticker under the hood. The manual says 105K but most everyone thinks that's ridiculous.

I was only one case and don't blame me if you find ourself in a different situation but when I did mine at 120,000 miles and 8 years (2001 the water pump still spun like a top and the belt didn't have any visible issues. With that said though, the stress and anxiety I had until I was able to get the job done, was more worth more than the service cost several times over.

DO IT.
I was just 6 miles from my parrents house, where my timing belt and water pump, ect. had arived the day before, on my way there to replace all of the above when the car just died. water pump -> t-belt -> valves...

Now if you're looking for an excuse to go stage 3 then leave it and start finding a new motor now.

I have a 2000 with 86k, bought it less than 2 years ago with 44k. I wish I had replaced the t-belt when I got it.

below is the last months worth of work:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jskinker...ildNavInstall#