dantheman762

Just bought a used '96 A4Q 2.8 (12 valve) and I'm looking for timing belt parts, as my mechanic is by himself and completely swamped, so I offered to source parts for him. I just wanted to check with the forum first...

I called my local dealer (Pfaff in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada) and the parts guy there is just awesome - so friendly and patient, very helpful. I asked him what parts Audi recommends replacing when doing the timing belt and here's what he told me and their prices (CDN);

Timing belt - $82.30
Tensioner damper (VIN specific) - $235.52
Tensioner roller - $135.08
Idler roller - $52.43
Water pump (after exchange) - $172.27

Are these prices way out of line? More importantly, is there anything else I should be replacing, i.e. serpentine belt(s), thermostat, etc.? Also - are there any updates/aftermarket parts I could install to increase reliability, etc.? What about these VIN-specific parts, is it imperative that I buy from a dealer rather than Carquest or NAPA to make sure I get the right VIN-specific part? Also - my mechanic has never done a timing belt on an Audi (has done many others though), should I be investing in a Bentley manual for the car and let him use it to keep my mind at rest?

Thanks for your thoughts/input, as I want to make sure this is done right.

Fair Cape-Cape Town

Good idea - get the Bentley.

For prices:<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/2509666.phtml">Look here</a></li></ul>

Fair Cape-Cape Town

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/87187/tbelt.jpg"></center><p>Save the image and then enlarge it. Makes it easier to read.

islingtonaudi

belt, thermostat, tensioner, roller and coolant reservoir tank for $190 TOTAL(!!) online from autohausaz.com No reason to buy from the dealer so they can give you the same name-brand parts with their Audi parts stickers on them at a huge mark-up. With a good mechanic doing the work my total was $550. Very reasonable.

dantheman762

Wow! Thanks a ton guys... Much appreciated.

MikTip

<center><img src="http://home.ec.rr.com/miktip/tbelt.jpg"></center><p>
Its the one I scanned all those years ago! ;o)

Fair Cape-Cape Town

Yup - found it in the archives.