Cam Belt Change

[stevehall]

Hi,

I am after some advice regarding cam belt changes, I have a 2005 B7 2.0 FSI T and I have just gone over the 60k mark....

When I booked the car in for its service a few months ago the ‘stealer’ wanted to do the cam belt at the same time, saying they like doing them at 60k so they can be sure that it wont fail.. When I asked when they are due to be changed he said 75k…

My questions are, what mileage have people being changing them? How much have you been paying? Where have you being getting them done?

Stockport Audi quoted just short of £500 Inc a new water pump.

 

[Issac Hunt]

Mine will be getting changed at 60k along with a new water pump.

Balance the cost against the bill you will get if/when it fails, just not worth the risk IMO.

 

[stevehall]

Are you going to a stealer or an Audi specialist? Don’t know if I would trust just anyone to work on my baby!

I fully know the risks of leaving it, that’s why I am looking at getting it done before 65k!

Well I have got it booked in £520.00 !!!

 

[Issac Hunt]

I am tight **** so when it is due the car will be out of warranty so I'll do the job myself.

 

[gaz j]

Try ringing stafford audi. They quoted me £275 inc VAT where Warrington audi quoted me £460. Defo try phoning different garages.

 

[46TheDoctor]

Make sure you get the waterpump changed at the same time, their notorious for failing and as big of a job to do the waterpump as it is to do a cambelt, also they only cost around £25 for a genuine one.:icon_thumright:

 

[quattrojames]

I have a B6 2.5TDi, the belt was changed at 70k with all the idler pulleys too, so is due again at 140k. Last week at 128k one of the idler pulleys disintegrated and the belt skipped four teeth. Currently waiting to hear just how many valves are bent

Even at 70k there are no guarantee's, any doubt's, change it.

 

[jdp1962]

I've got a B6 2.4 V6. It's five and a half years old and has done 73,000 miles. Goes in Tuesday to have the cam belt, tensioner and water pump replaced. £540 all-in at my local independent. Even if I wanted to pay Audi dealer labour charges (which I don't), I certainly wouldn't trust my car to the local Audi dealer; not since a guy took his tracker-equipped car there for a service and a subsequent interrogation of his tracker unit revealed someone from the dealer had been tear-arsing his car up and down the local roads at over 70mph.

Back to the subject, though, it's not worth quibbling about a few thousand miles here or there. Like others have said, the risk of a smashed engine if the belt fails is too great to contemplate.

 

[rasA4]

i have a B5 2.4V6 2000 last year i had the whole lot changed inc water pump and tensioner, i wasnt taking any chances when i saw a drop of water on the floor in my garage @ 57k . i went to an audi specialist wouldnt trust audi stealers.

 

[stoke_audi]

Why not try ourselves, we are part of the same group as Stafford Audi.
give us your details and we see what we can do

Dave

 

[chainbridge]

I have just visited the stafford Audi site and they are advetiseing a replacement belt and water pump at £399.00,did you get a deal from them?

 

[tweaked9107]

I've got a 2006 A4 Quattro and I'm getting mine changed by AmD when they do all my mods for me. They are charging £370 fully fitted for the full kit + pump. The car has only done 27,000 miles but its nearly 7 years old. The recommendation is to get it done at 75k or every 5 years so bare that in mind.

My issue is there is no record of it being changed at Audi and there is nothing in the book. For all I know it's still on its first one and peace of mind is priceless in my opinion.

 

[lgooch]

Got my cousin to do mine who is the master tech at VW Manchester. All OEM parts to.

If anyone wants his details let me know. I would never pay a main dealer to do this on my car, unless it was a very good deal on special offer. Anything more than 300 quid is expensive. The parts are only £ 100 (ish) to Mr Joe Bloggs from the main dealer leaving 200 quid labour.

 

[Molnboman]

If in doubt get it done....original parts and don't forget that water pump.....not worth the damage it can do, if it does go....OUCH!!

 

[chainbridge]

Mines a 2006 A4 s line with only 22,000 on the clock,i've had from new ,and serviced myself from new,it's never been back to the dealer,
as it's such low millage i will probably only change the belt and tensioners,as it will take another 7 years to make 50,000,i will be carrying out the work myself
I like the car so much i will keep it for as long as i'm breathing,so does the dealer stamp realy matter.

 

[lgooch]

Mines a 2006 A4 s line with only 22,000 on the clock,i've had from new ,and serviced myself from new,it's never been back to the dealer,
as it's such low millage i will probably only change the belt and tensioners,as it will take another 7 years to make 50,000,i will be carrying out the work myself
I like the car so much i will keep it for as long as i'm breathing,so does the dealer stamp realy matter.

Not really but rubber hardens and perishes so this is why you should change a belt on a fixed period on low mileage cars irrespective of how many miles you have done. Every 4 years if I recall correctly

 

[chainbridge]

I agree ,the recomended interval is 5 years ,so i will changeing in the next few weeks,and will use only genuine parts,as i have found from previous experiance that,cheap parts are what they say on the box,CHEAP!

 

[Molnboman]

On the BGB engines there's an inspection window where you can have wee look at the belt just to see the general nick....I wouldn't leave it for 5 years personally.....too risky if it goes.....you have killed your engine for saving a couple of hundred quid....no brainer for me imho.

Cheers
Allan