Based on what I've heard, I am going to cancel my order with ECS for the TB kit and go all OEM. (m)
07-04-2005, 12:24 PM
#3
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I do not concur. I think that almost, if not all of the posts I've read had to do with some sort...
mechanical part failure. That said, I do agree with DocSlo's earlier post that OEM parts obviously can break just as much as aftermarket.
Here were a few quick observations I made when comparing the OEM parts I removed and replacing them with ECS's stuff:
- OEM timing belt had MUCH wider teeth (even my worn belt seemed to have "beefier" teeth left than the brand new ECS replacement).
- OEM water pump does have a plastic impeller vs. ECS's metal couterpart (however, the OEM impeller had more blades)
- All of the remaining pieces seemed identical.
If I had it to do over again, I think I would have gone OEM... but that is just IMHO.
Here were a few quick observations I made when comparing the OEM parts I removed and replacing them with ECS's stuff:
- OEM timing belt had MUCH wider teeth (even my worn belt seemed to have "beefier" teeth left than the brand new ECS replacement).
- OEM water pump does have a plastic impeller vs. ECS's metal couterpart (however, the OEM impeller had more blades)
- All of the remaining pieces seemed identical.
If I had it to do over again, I think I would have gone OEM... but that is just IMHO.
07-04-2005, 01:23 PM
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I don't blame you
The only downside is you'll pay more for oem but really won't know if the quality is better.
I used the basic ECS belt kit and replaced extra parts not included. I've had no problems with strange noises, etc. Replacing the timing belt is a very tricky job so no beers until you're done
FWIW, I used loctite on all bolts.
<img src="http://dave-new.com/S4/timingbelt_order.jpg">
I used the basic ECS belt kit and replaced extra parts not included. I've had no problems with strange noises, etc. Replacing the timing belt is a very tricky job so no beers until you're done
FWIW, I used loctite on all bolts. <img src="http://dave-new.com/S4/timingbelt_order.jpg">
07-04-2005, 01:58 PM
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See DocSlow's post from a few threads down for starters.
<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/2044150.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/2044150.phtml</a</li></ul>
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07-04-2005, 02:29 PM
#9
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I've had mine for about 12K miles, and no problem, engine sounds the same as before...
But I did have the dealer install the kit, not myself. And I know the guy who installed it (he also owns an S4), and I have the highest confidence in his work. Also, since he has done more than 100 TBs, I think he would have mentioned if he thought something was wrong/different with the kit.
Like all things, some are prone to failure more than others. why?
duh no..
Like all things, some are prone to failure more than others. why?
duh no..
07-04-2005, 06:43 PM
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One instance... still looking for data. If you search on ECS and failure you get 54 hits on all AW
posts, 2/3 of which are discussions on failed OEM suspension parts and ECS replacement kits. Just asking for the data... doesn't seem to be much at all on this unless some owners step forward that have had issues... that and maybe Doc will tell us which tensioner died - TB or acc belt. There are three manufacturers on the acc tensioner that I have found(not that I'm even going to touch mine until it is warrantied).
I plan on doing mine in a few weeks. I'm no pimp for ECS but have yet to find why I shouldn't go this route... parts are in a box here at the house ready to go on. Someone please step up and inform us if there are issues as, say the RS4 mount replacements.
I plan on doing mine in a few weeks. I'm no pimp for ECS but have yet to find why I shouldn't go this route... parts are in a box here at the house ready to go on. Someone please step up and inform us if there are issues as, say the RS4 mount replacements.