SAD Story - 225 TT Timing Belt Quits at 77K miles $$$ Long Post
03-23-2003, 02:06 PM
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SAD Story - 225 TT Timing Belt Quits at 77K miles $$$ Long Post
For those of you who know -- I've had a my share of problems with my TT, even with what by my standards is a rather fastidious maintenance schedule (Mobil 1 + filter every 5K mi., for example).
I also realize (now that I search through postings here, that I should have been smarter, but here's the story as a lesson to you all, as our beloved TT's get a bit older...
Last Fri eve, driving N on I-270, TT quits dead at 70 mph in the left lane. Towed to Francis Scott Key Audi in Frederick MD. Very professional service director tells me its the timing belt -- and that I should have changed it at 60K. Stupid me, I read the service manual and it says: At 120,000 Mi (192,000 Km) Timing Belt - Replace belt (1.8L 5V Turbo Engine ONLY).
I actually BELIEVE these things. The dealer (Huntingdon Valley Audi in PA) did the 60K and said nothing -nada, niente...- about said timing belt.
My understanding is that, with zero clearance valves, this may cost megabucks (they're suggesting possible new engine $6K plus!) Will AoA save my butt? Who knows? More to follow later this week...
Lesson learned - please don't wait til 120K to change the timing belt -- I'm thinking that 60K change would've saved me a lot of aggravation!
I also realize (now that I search through postings here, that I should have been smarter, but here's the story as a lesson to you all, as our beloved TT's get a bit older...
Last Fri eve, driving N on I-270, TT quits dead at 70 mph in the left lane. Towed to Francis Scott Key Audi in Frederick MD. Very professional service director tells me its the timing belt -- and that I should have changed it at 60K. Stupid me, I read the service manual and it says: At 120,000 Mi (192,000 Km) Timing Belt - Replace belt (1.8L 5V Turbo Engine ONLY).
I actually BELIEVE these things. The dealer (Huntingdon Valley Audi in PA) did the 60K and said nothing -nada, niente...- about said timing belt.
My understanding is that, with zero clearance valves, this may cost megabucks (they're suggesting possible new engine $6K plus!) Will AoA save my butt? Who knows? More to follow later this week...
Lesson learned - please don't wait til 120K to change the timing belt -- I'm thinking that 60K change would've saved me a lot of aggravation!
03-23-2003, 02:50 PM
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Sorry to hear what happened...
The price they quoted you is ridiculous. You should be able to get it fixed for under $2-2.5K.
If the AOA doesn't take care of this under warranty my recommendation is to have your TT towed out of the dealer to a competent VW mechanic shop (one that can rebuild a head - search in your area) and have them do the work. No dealer has the machinery to rebuild your engine. They'll end up sourcing it to someone else and then adding their fee on top of it.
As for the damage... It's likely that some exhaust and some intake valves are bent in each cylinder so they'll have to be replaced. I'm fairly certain you can buy nice aftermarket valves that are cheaper than the factory ones.
The pistons are probably dented or dimpled where they came in contact with the valves but they can just be smoothed out and likely won't need to be replaced.
Good luck!
If the AOA doesn't take care of this under warranty my recommendation is to have your TT towed out of the dealer to a competent VW mechanic shop (one that can rebuild a head - search in your area) and have them do the work. No dealer has the machinery to rebuild your engine. They'll end up sourcing it to someone else and then adding their fee on top of it.
As for the damage... It's likely that some exhaust and some intake valves are bent in each cylinder so they'll have to be replaced. I'm fairly certain you can buy nice aftermarket valves that are cheaper than the factory ones.
The pistons are probably dented or dimpled where they came in contact with the valves but they can just be smoothed out and likely won't need to be replaced.
Good luck!
03-23-2003, 03:05 PM
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Sorry to hear that...I just dropped big $$$ on a repair this weekend as well..
different car thought...
With the TT though, and it having a pretty everyday VW engine that the timing belt would easily last through 120K...guess not!
With the TT though, and it having a pretty everyday VW engine that the timing belt would easily last through 120K...guess not!
03-23-2003, 04:49 PM
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Sorry to hear this.....>>>>>
There was a recent dialogue on this...month or so ago...The old 1.8's needed this service at 60k on the original A4's. Only in the last 4 yrs had they changed to the 120k service. I would not be suprised if Audi is stretching all the maintenance out to keep costs down...like 10k between oil changes....I would call them on it!
03-23-2003, 05:08 PM
#6
when my car had the cam snap
(yes, way back when at 2800 miles some may remember) the valves were shot, took out 2 pistons as well. AoA spotted for a new head, new crank, 2 new pistons. Same old block ( I wasn't happy as it took 3 weeks to do, losers )
Anyway, highway speed and unmoving cam can mean big $$
Sorry - have a trusted mechanic check your car..
Anyway, highway speed and unmoving cam can mean big $$
Sorry - have a trusted mechanic check your car..
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06-02-2003, 07:20 PM
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68K miles and I am down the creek also!
2001 Audi TTQR
I regularly maintain my car as the manual says. I am an architect, not a mechanic, so I own an Audi, hoping that the quality and service will reflect what i dish out in payments!
Anyway, i just got upto cruise speed (80mph) on I-93 at NH/MA boarder, and the car quit, like i was out of gas. I was able to pull over, 2 hours later and a tow to Lakes Region VW/Audi I found out that my timing belt or tensioner broke. They will take it apart and explore it soon.
I called AoA and they are going to track the diagnosis with me and determine if they will pick-up the cost. I am off warranty and PRAY that AoA will cover it or I might see the REPO man sometime soon?
they quoted me $6K for the new head and valve train as well as a new turbo and other gaskets. I was told if it ruined my engine, it would be perhaps another $4K. If I need to put another $10K into this car, I will ust have to say, I should have bought a BOXTER?!
Anyone have advice on dealing with AoA and getting them to pay for a repair off warranty?
I regularly maintain my car as the manual says. I am an architect, not a mechanic, so I own an Audi, hoping that the quality and service will reflect what i dish out in payments!
Anyway, i just got upto cruise speed (80mph) on I-93 at NH/MA boarder, and the car quit, like i was out of gas. I was able to pull over, 2 hours later and a tow to Lakes Region VW/Audi I found out that my timing belt or tensioner broke. They will take it apart and explore it soon.
I called AoA and they are going to track the diagnosis with me and determine if they will pick-up the cost. I am off warranty and PRAY that AoA will cover it or I might see the REPO man sometime soon?
they quoted me $6K for the new head and valve train as well as a new turbo and other gaskets. I was told if it ruined my engine, it would be perhaps another $4K. If I need to put another $10K into this car, I will ust have to say, I should have bought a BOXTER?!
Anyone have advice on dealing with AoA and getting them to pay for a repair off warranty?
01-29-2004, 05:47 PM
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Re: SAD Story - 225 TT Timing Belt Quits at 77K miles $$$ Long Post
In one of you other posts you mention a notification from Audi in Australia dated 2/2002...would you mind forwarding a copy as I also am currently carless due to a timing belt loosing many teeth after only 60,000 miles (which I know now is what seems to be the lifespan of the timing belt). Any help if appreciated in dealing w/ AoA.
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