S4 Timing Belt - What to do at the Same Time ?

[mwarrey]

Hi,

My S4 is going to my main dealer for an oil leak to be sorted under warranty. I asked them to give me an idea of what extra cost is involved in doing the timing belt at the same time, as I understand that a fair deal of engine dismantling work will be required get to the oil leak. What else is worth changing at the same time ? One respected specialist said that the idler won't need changing (although I think I will anyway). What about the water pump or other belts ?

 

[Markey]

You could get another mortgage to pay for the timing belt change.....

Most people say that it is worth getting the secondary belt changed and the water pump, but Audi said to me there is not point changeing the water pump.

 

[imported_VaulterTim]

Here here!

I second that motion.

You'd have to be crazy not to change the water pump for such a small cost.

As AndyMac says, compared to the cost of repairing (or replacing!) the engine due to a water pump failure down the line somewhere, it just goes without saying really...

Even if you catch it in the process of failing (unlikely) 20k miles later, then the labour cost of dismantling things to get to it again is simply not justified when you could have just spent an extra couple of quid when it's apart anyway.

Your call, of course, but be strongly advised... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jdp1962]

You know they're right.

 

[FezzR]

on my own cars always change all the idlers and anything else that could fail, water pump, tension, etc

 

[hop2407]

Here Here to Andy and others... as most are aware, I have just gone through the same (well nearly - water pump and not timing belt (done 28k ago)).....I got them to change the thermostat even though my original one wasn't broke and the 3 belts (Air con, Water pump and Alternator belt)......you may also have some kind of temp switch / sensor in that region - also worth doing as it will undoubtably save future labour costs.....

 

[imported_VaulterTim]

I'll probably do the same...

The car has done 62K now and with the big turbo going in soon I think it's a must. I will have the whole front end off the car anyway so it makes sense /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[imported_VaulterTim]

Same rules apply to any car in my opinion... miles is miles, doesn't matter what size the engine is, it's a mechanical machine which needs maintaining.

And as already mentioned, the cost when compared to doing them all seperatley at different intervals just doesn't compare... it's always going to be worth it.

Hope you sorted it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif