does 96 A4 have a timing belt or chain???
07-09-2002, 04:42 PM
#5
AudiWorld Expert
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 25,510
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunately, it has a belt
Audi does, however, have plans to follow Nissan's lead and switch over to timing chains......at some point.
The timing belt should be changed by your 60k mile service. Many people are now starting to change them even earlier, but I think 60k is reasonable if you can't afford to change it every 50k. (the manual recommends something like 80k)
The timing belt should be changed by your 60k mile service. Many people are now starting to change them even earlier, but I think 60k is reasonable if you can't afford to change it every 50k. (the manual recommends something like 80k)
07-09-2002, 04:48 PM
#6
Belt. I don't know why everyone thinks chains are so much better than belts...
with a chain, instead of the chain itself breaking, the plastic guides that the tensioner uses to push against it break or wear out, and the engine goes out of time, just like if a belt were to break. Then you have as much or more to replace.
If you take care of your car, the likelyhood of a belt breaking are very slim.
Change the pump and belt NO LATER than 70k, preferrably at 60k. In this case, the belt itself is not really the problem, rather, the water pump which is somewhat notorious for siezing and destroying the belt is the problem, but in order to change the pump, you have to remove the timing belt, so might as well do it all.
If you take care of your car, the likelyhood of a belt breaking are very slim.
Change the pump and belt NO LATER than 70k, preferrably at 60k. In this case, the belt itself is not really the problem, rather, the water pump which is somewhat notorious for siezing and destroying the belt is the problem, but in order to change the pump, you have to remove the timing belt, so might as well do it all.
07-09-2002, 05:11 PM
#7
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
chains can break too, just ask Mercedes about there 3.8's
but I still prefer a chain. It may be a bit more noisy but they very rarely break and they do stay in time as long as the tensioner is still in range. I think if you look at the number of belt failures to chain failures the percentage would be huge. I bought a benz diesel once that bent a few valves and the camshaft as well as broke a couple of cam towers because of a broken chain but that was because the previous owner decided to drive it to the grocery store even though parts of the vacuum pump were rattling VERY loudly around the front of the motor. pay attention to those noises people.
Trending Topics
07-09-2002, 05:40 PM
#8
I have had 2 engines die due to tensioner/chain failure, and 0 due to belt failure..
oddly the 2 were on the SAME Toyota pickup...
My brother lost a t-belt on his 16v Scirocco, amazingly enough, not a single valve was bent (they ARE interfereance engines)!!!!!
My brother lost a t-belt on his 16v Scirocco, amazingly enough, not a single valve was bent (they ARE interfereance engines)!!!!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bradstera2
Audi Original "S" Cars
1
04-15-2006 03:40 PM
buch434
Audi 90 / 80 / Coupe quattro / Cabriolet
1
11-14-2004 06:13 PM
dre420
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
8
08-17-2003 10:23 AM
