buddhi

Hey guys,

I'm getting the T-Belt changed in about 2 weeks along w/ new tires and a snub mount for the Audi. I have a couple of 200 Mile business trips before the service. Should I go and have the belt looked at before I take the trip? A buddy of mine with a '99 A4 just had the tensioner go out and paid $3500 for the engine head replacement. I'm getting a little worried.

The car has been serviced regularly and maintained by the dealer. Of course they claim I should be good till 90K ... excuse me for not heaving a sigh of relief.

Thanks for your thoughts

mobaar

I know everyone here is paranoid (probably rightly so) but I just had my 2000 done at 92K and all the old stuff looked fine.

AwdiA4

old or new, they can fail. having the belt "checked" would be a waste 'o time/money. the culprit as you know, is the hidden tensioner that won't show signs of being ready to check out.

Solaris

or water pump, if it's a 2.8

buddhi

Its a 1.8T. Just updated my subject

Reggie

It can fail on your trip or not - looking at the belt will not tell if it will fail - tensioner can go also.

If you are worried have it done and the water pump - since getting into the engine is the hardest part - it's cheap to do it all once they open it up.

Having the car serviced regularly does not impact the belt and the issues associated with it's failure.

mobaar is right - get a rental if you are concerned.

sack lunch

2nd that. rentals are cheap these days...esp compared to a new engine.

mobaar

there ya go =)

buddhi

I might just do a rental. Besides, I think I might be able to talk my Boss into letting me expense it

Reggie

I always liked when the company pays