nfs1000f

I have read numerous discussions on the correct mileage to replace a timing belt. How many out there have actually had one fail and at what mileage?

JimR

they largely aren't here, as their cars got parted out.

I'll be curious to see what responses you get.

saabSean

...I was speaking to a mechanic at Shine Racing Service (the shop that services my A6), and he was complaining that his son's Passat 1.8t shredded it's timing belt at 61k miles. Bent 13 valves.

All in all, he said it cost him $1000 in parts and he donated all the labor to fix it.

urq20vt

taking out the timing belt. I saw an S4 with 55k that had the engine destroyed when the owner kept driving after the water pump bearing failed. The timing belt actually melted from friction on the seized pulley. That was a really ugly sight. VERY expensive too. This doesn't seem to be a real common problem with the V6s or V8s, but more so on 1.8Ts due to the early tensioner design.

Moral of the story: If you have any strange noises from the front of the engine, or if you see coolant on the front of the oil pan, get it checked out ASAP.

You really can't check the water pump, pulley or idler without removing the belt, and once you are there, you might as well replace those parts.

Personally, while the pump, idler and tensioner may last to 100k, I will be changing it all around 60k (along with the accessory belt and thermostat). To me, a couple hundred dollars in parts and a few hours of work every few years is cheap insurance against catastrophic engine failure.

Of course, YMMV...

ZIPPYGAS

to get to the center of a tootsipop?

A6Gary

the TB. The tensioner design was updated w/ an improved design. Later 1.8L T engines (MY 2001) revised the TB driveline that relocated the water pump to drive off the TB (earlier engines had the water pump driven by a separate belt).

saabSean

But I'll mention that to him when I go back in this week. Thx for the info

urq20vt

thhreee. Three.