toddz

Hey all,

Just bought a '99 a6 avant wagon with 63K miles. I was told by my mechanic that I should replace the timing belt immediately or risk a $8K fix if the belt breaks. Is it common to have to replace the timing belt at 60K miles? I hate to drop an additional $1200 right after buying the car, but I suppose it beats paying $8K if it breaks. PLEASE ADVISE.

Thanks in advance!! Happy to be on this board!

Toddz

saabSean

When you change the t'belt on these cars you also change: the water pump, the thermostat, the serpentine belt, the roller, and the tensioner; with labor it usually comes out to about $1000.

The belt has 63k miles on it and it's nearing 7 years old. I'd change it.

jfk92

The Bentley CD manual schedule indicates replace the timing belt tension roller and the RIBBED belt at 75K. The maintenance schedule for the timing belt itself is for 105K miles. (for the A6 Avant wagon). Could the mechanic have meant the ribbed belt in his/her recommendation? What is the condition of the belt itself...frayed/torn or avg wear....in my opinion, you've got some expected engineered wear left in the 'timing belt' given normal wear......JK

llonman

I had mine replaced at 91K and I now have 157K on the Avant. So I am nearing replacement time again.

Kris Hansen

But the rollers and waterpump likely won't. Not worth the risk IMHO.

saabSean

105k recommendation is the result of a California law that specifies major maintenance must not occur before 100k miles. It's very easy to change the user manual to read 105k, but it's still the same belt as used years ago when the manuals specified a 60k replacement schedule.

I would NEVER gamble with the engine on a 100K+ belt. Never.

jfk92

Hey,
If you've got the scratch laying around, change it...sure...and you can also get new tires every 5K while you're at it. I agree that sooner is better than later, but changing it at just under 60% of it's OEM specified wear life.....I've owned cars and sold between 75K and 115K (toyotas) and never changed a timing belt. Audi wouldn't push the factor of safety on the belt, HOWEVER, they cannot predict wear conditions outside of their supplier test parameters. If there's legitimate suspicion on your mechanic's recommendation then change it now. If he's over 50, then he's from an era where the norm for timing belt changes WAS 60K. I'm with llonman on this though...I can't see an immediate need if there's nothing out of the ordinary on it.....just my 'differing' opinion!

also, I'm not defending audi's 105K recommendation here...just cautioning unnecessary maintenance...you start pulling sh*t apart on the motor you provide opportunity to put something back in the non-factory environment which means ......now where the hell did the cap to my pen go????....!

toddz

...and now I am 100% on the fence. My mechanic hasn't looked at the car yet. In fact I am having the car shipped from Florida to Denver (where I live) and will have him look at it at that point. Also, I spoke to a service mgr at a Audi dealership in Connecticut and he said not to worry about it. Hmmmmm.........

Either way, I appreciate all your valuable input. And I dig this board!

Toddz

TeddyBGame

..I just paid the extra $180 for tbelt parts etc...and I was a lucky/happy clam.

brat2.ua

...i(my opinion) wouldnt change it.