chadglasgow

that looks like money!

chenishead

If audi did the tbelt service they usually change the coolant tank as well. Dunno how many miles the car chadgasglow is looking at but if it was recent the tank can be a sign to look for.

backdoc

At what mileage intervals should the timing belt be replaced?

JMohn

Get the T-belt changed and forget it, it's much cheaper than the alternative and you'll sleep better

jfrahm

The paint marks on the cam sprockets can get disturbed when the sprockets come off. Or not. You never know. If they do not line up though, it is likely the belt was replaced at some point. At this time the general condition of the belt can be also be examined.

Condition however will not tell you if a belt is good, only if it is bad. If you see threads, cracks, edge wear, etc. that's bad but the belts can look pretty new after a lot of mileage. Mark the belt and bump the starter a few times for a good look at the belt over it's length.

I just did the belt on my 4runner and the 70K mile belt looks just fine, feels a bit dry and brittle but from looks alone I would not have know it was so well-used.

-Joel.

ivans A8

If those numbers were miles then about right. I'm from central Alberta also, and I did my own TB on my 97 A8 at 172,000 km (see pics in profile). It was in good condition all over and could easily last another 30-40k. If Audi tells you that, they just probably dont mind extra work.

chadglasgow

to my understanding it's recommended if you live in a constant climate (temp is usually above freezing), it's recommended to change the TB at 60000 miles, and it MUST be changed at 90000

backdoc

I had my timing belt done on my 97 A8 at 80,000 miles. I am currently at 138,000. Do I need to do it again, and when? Thanks.

gondar

Some makers (Acura for one) say if the car is run in really hot or really cold conditions, change more often. 110 degrees and 10 below, that kind of stuff. Makes sense to me.
I also know that long timing chains (like 911s and old Jags)were sensitive to inertia loading such as getting off and on the throttle hard. Chains would break. The light rubber belt is an advantage. Early Volvo 960s had long whippy cams and broke timimg belts ar 25-30K miles. They did a quick patch job by putting a rubber damper on the exhaust cogwheel. Then a bigger belt. (That engine was a Porsche design.) Hardparts (e.g., WP bearing)failing and derailing the belt are more probable than a belt failure. A backfire on start can jump teeth. A bolt come loose or a tiny rock can also cause big problems if they get betwwen the belt and a cogwheel. Our belts are pretty well- protected against external objects, however.

gawalla

For the TB service, should time/age come into effect as well?

My 2003 has only ~55k miles on it, but obviously it's ~6 years old. If I assume 90k miles means 6-7.5 years, at 12-15k miles/year of "normal" driving, should I get it done now?

I have 2 weeks left in my CPO warranty as many of you know. Dealer claims they have visually inspected but obviously that might not be the whole story.