tco65

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here. I'm a newbie and need advice. I have a 2000 Audi TT coupe with 68,000 miles. I had to take it to dealer today to have ac looked at. They put in dye, checked for leaks and found none and added refrigerant. $200 later my ac works fine now. The service advisor, however, told me some things that needed to be done. Front brakes need replaced to the tune of $650 at Audi here in Atlanta. My question is, can any brake place (Pep Boys, etc...) do this work or should I stick to the dealer? Yes, I'm a girl. No, I can't work on cars. Also, the advisor said I need to get the timing belt service done ASAP ($1,600). From what I've been reading on these forums, that looks very important. Any advice on the brakes? Should I trust Pep Boys with my sweet TT?

Thanks! tco65

AudiMick

There are probably better choices than the two you are thinking about.

Yes the dealer is expensive, but taking your TT to any of the quick service places isn't a good idea either.

Do you not have a good independent , VW/Audi / German, European shop in your area?

Post on the local Audi forum for recommendations.

If the timing belt has more than 70,000 miles and 4 years you are 1 second away from a scrap motor.

Vegas-roadster

An indy VW and/or Audi shop that is highly recommended on Yelp, Angie's list, etc would be my alternative to the dealer. Pep Boys just does not inspire confidence but are probably OK for brakes but I would not trust them with the TB. The DeiselGeek repair kit for the TB etc is considered the best. Cost should be around $750, including the kit.

If a shop suggests your brake rotors should be turned, go someplace else. Audi does not recommend turning rotors during a pad replacement for TTs. You should get the brake fluid replaced during this service.

Most TT owners recommend 5 year/60K for TB etc replacement. If your's has not been done within that time - tow it to a shop (really). I have read 2 posts in recent months of folks who became aware that their TB needed replacement and the TB failed as they drove to the shop and left them with a $5K+ repair bill.

Grave

Timing belt is important. From what I've read, it's around $100-150 for the belt, and $600-800 to get it replaced at a shop. As for the brakes, if it's just the front, it sound be around $400.

I would go to Firestone, Pep boys, etc, before a dealer. You can save $1000+ if they do it. Even a local shop can do the brakes. Just buy the rotors/pads for $100 and they'll usually replace it for $100 or less. As for the timing belt, I would definitely go to a reputable place and not just a local shop.

ECS Tuning-Audi

We are your one stop shop that carries everything from brakes to timing belt kits.

Below are some links to get you started.

Click HERE for timing belt kits


Click HERE for brake components

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason

tco65

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm just going to have the dealership do all the work. I have an Audi mechanic here in Atlanta, but he is pretty far from me and not much cheaper. The dealership also gives me a loaner car which is convenient. I took it to Pep Boys to get a new tail light and it was like I pulled up in a space ship as they were clueless, so I don't trust them so much. I have owned the car since 2001 and have NEVER had the timing belt replaced! I had never even heard of this being a problem until the service advisor mentioned it. Now I'm a nervous wreck! I appreciate all of your good advice.

tco65

Vegas-roadster

Tow it there.

AudiMick

It's way more than just the belt, the tensioner, water-pump etc are actually more likely to fail and then break the belt. Early water-pumps are plastic and they fall apart.

Thermostat is recommended at the same time. Check the cam seals also.

tco65

Thanks you guys. Scheduled for all the repairs next week.

Tonya