Innovator

<ul><li><a href="http://www.autoref.com/audi01.html">http://www.autoref.com/audi01.html</a</li></ul>

LCP

Yeah, that's a pipe dream. It's damn near reckless of them to recommend that interval.

Innovator

I agree. It's not the belt that goes bad as I'm sure you know. In theory , if the belt is still supple and undamaged, you can reuse it. Not that I would.

The trick is to get a new GNK water pump. That way you don't have to worry about the pump prematurely going bad. They have a larger bearing than the OE pump, so they last longer. Also, the timing belt *absolutely has to be tensioned properly*( not too tight or too loose), or it will make all the bearings fail that are driven by the belt.. Don't expect the dealer to do it right either....

LCP

GNK -- that's a brand name I assume? Do you have a part number for this water pump?

Innovator

I'm at home now, but at work I have it. Call me tomorrow Lance.

It's the same pump that the 2.8 uses. Whatever you do, make sure they tension the belt correctly, as this is key to going the 105k ;-)

Steve (Ft. Worth)

I can see how it might damage the serpentine belt that runs to the alternator, power-steering pump, etc. but how can a belt that is spinning the camshafts be damaged by the water pump?
(Please forgive me if this seems like a stupid question)

Steve

clinton c

Red sticker under my hood says, "replace toothed belt @ 75000 miles"!

Nick Gustas

our water pump is spun by the timing belt not the serpentine belt.

Innovator

The water pump is powered by the smooth backside of the timing belt, not the serpentine belt that drives the alternator, fan, PS pump, AC, etc.

If the water pump pulley(or any pulley) locks up due to bearing failure, the back of the timing belt starts to slide over the locked pulley causing friction and excessive heat. This causes the belt to melt and stretch and jump a few teeth or worse yet, even break.

If this happens early in an engines life, it is usually due to the belt not being properly tensioned.