Question regarding timing belts and Audi
11-18-2002, 11:59 AM
#1
AudiWorld Uber User
Thread Starter
Question regarding timing belts and Audi
Everyone knows about the 60k timing belt routine and how the book (composed by Audi) lies and schedules a replacement at 105k. I always hear of people getting screwed out of $3,000 or whatever insane amount it costs to rebuild their motors. Does anyone know if Audi has taken any responsibility for this mess? I mean, they say one thing and their product does another. This is so common and dangerous, how does a manufacturer get away with it? Has anybody had any luck getting a failed timing belt covered by Audi (outside the warranty of course)?
11-18-2002, 12:02 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
They won't ever be held accountable.
But yes, they HAVE been known to help people out who are out of warranty. In fact, it happened with the previous owner of my car. He was at 53K when the tensioner failed. AoA ended up covering 50% of the bill...."goodwill" they called it. Mainly will depend on you dealer and/or regional rep, whether or not they're willing to go to bat for you.
Andy
Andy
11-18-2002, 12:39 PM
#4
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Dangerous? how?
Maybe if your head was next to the belt when it snapped it would be dangerous.
as far as consumer protection, all of the Audi mechanics, dealers, etc. I know of suggest 60,000 mile replacement. So how is Audi violating consumer protection laws?
Parts break, $hit happens,if the car was bulletproof to 90,000 miles you'd have a 90,000 mile factory warranty. The car would also cost twice as much due to extra R&D and part costs, be heavier, and slower.
If you're concerned about it get an aftermarket warranty.
as far as consumer protection, all of the Audi mechanics, dealers, etc. I know of suggest 60,000 mile replacement. So how is Audi violating consumer protection laws?
Parts break, $hit happens,if the car was bulletproof to 90,000 miles you'd have a 90,000 mile factory warranty. The car would also cost twice as much due to extra R&D and part costs, be heavier, and slower.
If you're concerned about it get an aftermarket warranty.
11-18-2002, 12:51 PM
#5
AudiWorld Expert
Probably only a small % of belts break early...
Of course we hear about it here on AW a lot because everyone who had this happen to them will cry their hearts out (and I would to if it happened to me). But considering how many A4s there are on the roads, I don't think the number of failed timing belts is that high.
And actually, the updated maintenance guide says to replace my t-belt at 120K miles. And I will do it... but just to have a piece of mind, I will do it at 60K as well.
And actually, the updated maintenance guide says to replace my t-belt at 120K miles. And I will do it... but just to have a piece of mind, I will do it at 60K as well.
11-18-2002, 01:08 PM
#7
AudiWorld Uber User
Thread Starter
Dangerous in $3,000 worth of damage....
My manual states 105,000 miles, far beyond when it should really be done. That's misleading, bottom line. Also, I've heard many stories of even dealers insisting it need not be done until scheduled.
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11-18-2002, 01:23 PM
#10
AudiWorld Uber User
Thread Starter
Obviously one person against Audi wouldn't work, but in the United States...
the government does act against bad business practices (ie, Microsoft antitrust)