Timing Belt

[Boydie]

Right, I have been advised to change my timing belt as the car has just past 60k miles

I do up to 500miles a week so they will climb at a steady rate

so what I would like to know is how much roughly would it cost and how long will it take to change the timing belt?

Id rather not go to Audi as it will cost me an arm and a leg by the way

thanks

 

[Issac Hunt]

I reckon you should be able to find an independant garage to do it for no more than £300. Takes about three hours I think.

 

[Boydie]

I take it that is including the t-belt kit?

I can get a kit for £60 from eurocarparts which is a lot cheaper than I expected!

Labour is the next thing to worry about but i was quoted roughly £150 from an ex audi mechanic but he told me is a nightmare of a job!

 

[Issac Hunt]

Yes I know a few people who paid under £300 all in. Its not that bad a job, just not a lot of space between the belts and the inner wheel arch so can be a bit fiddly.

 

[kanievsky]

I take it that is including the t-belt kit?

I can get a kit for £60 from eurocarparts which is a lot cheaper than I expected!

Labour is the next thing to worry about but i was quoted roughly £150 from an ex audi mechanic but he told me is a nightmare of a job!

Do not forget to have a water pump changed!

 

[Boydie]

never heard that before! why?

 

[Issac Hunt]

It is often worn out or very close to expiry, makes good financial sense as the cambelt is already out of the way. About another £30 or £40 on top of the rest.

 

[voorhees]

and don't get one with plastic impellers/rotors in (water pump)

 

[Boydie]

thanks guys - best getting a vag water pump then?

 

[Shifty]

Hey

I recently had my timing belt etc done, def do the water pump...their partially made in plastic and not worth risking

timing belt kit £80 (including belt)
water pump £28
labour £110

i would never pay over £250 (including vat) audi stealers are overpricd, id go with a independent specialist, make sure they are decent...ive noticed loadsa small backstreet garages callin themselves " bmw specialist" or audi specialist, stick with well known independents, timing belt work shouldnt be given to numpties

 

[Boydie]

Thanks for the advice lad - are they Audi part prices??

 

[Shifty]

no...parts from euro's and labour from a local independent, can expect £450+ at audi (usually £70 a hour)

 

[voorhees]

no...parts from euro's and labour from a local independent, can expect £450+ at audi (usually £70 a hour)

mine was fifty quid short of a grand......my bank manager hasn't spoke to me since
Listers Audi in Coventry is more expensive per hour labour than Sevenoaks,work that one out

 

[Shifty]

ouch!

 

[emzino]

and don't get one with plastic impellers/rotors in (water pump)

Have the standard VAG water pumps got one with plastic impellers/rotors? or do you have to specifically specify that when you get it done

 

[sijones]

Stafford Audi did my cambelt, tensioners and belts for £315. I had the 4th AVS service done same time and total was £546.

They checked the water pump and said it doesn't need doing so it wasn't changed but I have a 2yr warranty so if it does go it will be changed on that anyway so doesn't affect me.

I know it's more expensive going to Audi but at least you know they have the right tools and have the experiance and if it goes wrong.... well they have to put it right at their cost...

 

[voorhees]

Have the standard VAG water pumps got one with plastic impellers/rotors? or do you have to specifically specify that when you get it done

apparently yes they have so get it from GSF and ask for the metal ones

 

[emzino]

Ok cool. I'll let my garage know when it's time to get it changed but just so I know, what advantage does the metal ones have over the plastic ones?

 

[Shifty]

isnt that obvious...plastic is far stronger, plastic 1's tend to chip away

 

[emzino]

Not neccasarily. For example, there changing all the water pipes from metal to plastic becaus there much easier to change over and easier to make use of.

Ok so it's different with a car part but I would of thought a toughened plastic component would be stronger than metal

 

[voorhees]

Ok so it's different with a car part but I would of thought a toughened plastic component would be stronger than metal

And me but the plastic must wear quicker which is probably why Audi have plastic

 

[Gti Jazz Blue]

I thought that the Belt isn't due to 80K on the 2.0TDi ?

Hope I've got 30K to go before mine needs changing rather than 10K.

Paul

 

[Boydie]

It is but I have been recommended by numerous deisel geeks and ex-audi mechanics to do it now