Should I replace timing belt

ocornboy · 03-14-2012, 11:41 AM

I am new to these forums, but any advice is appreciated. I am purchasing a 95 Cabriolet that just flipped 100k miles. Timing belt was last replaced in 12 years ago, but has only been driven 17k miles since then. I am getting ready to drive the car 1,400 miles to get it home, so I had it taken to a reputable audi mechanic at an audi service shop. I specifically asked if I should change the timing belt, water pump, etc. He said everything "looked good", the belt is not cracking or showing wear, pump isn't leaking, no seals are leaking and he isn't recommended that it needs changed. I asked if he was going to make the drive, would he change it and he said no. He said the engine runs great. While I am not trying to second guess him, I am concerned because another audi mechanic who has not seen the car said he would absolutely change it even if it looks perfect, but you just cannot tell by looking at it. Recommendations?

grillage · 03-14-2012, 04:20 PM

If you have the means you should do it. Where are you? Someone might be able to lend you the special tools required.

Luxus Panzer · 03-14-2012, 04:41 PM

if it breaks you could have a fubar engine.

I would replace the T-belt
W-Pump
T-Stat
All rollers
Acc belt
Acc belt tentioner
Cam seals
Crank seal

All is accessible when you do a timing belt...standard for when I buy a 12v

Prospeeder · 03-14-2012, 05:05 PM

Boy that is a long time. But I wouldnt fear it for a 1400 mile drive. I have seen V6 Audi cars go 150k before they finally break the belt. While the 1.8T cars somtimes break at 85k lol. I would just drive it on your trip and then do a timing belt and the whole bit when you have time.

ocornboy · 03-14-2012, 06:08 PM

Thanks for the information. I will not have time to do any work myself. I am flying to pick the car up and drive it back. I think I will go ahead and get it done. It will need done some time and better to be safe than sorry. Guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being overly cautious. I usually buy new and sell them long before any major service is due. This is my first try at a used car that I want to maintain and keep. Thanks! Great forum!

CRAZY_RUSSIAN · 03-16-2012, 03:31 PM

im with Luxus on this, IIRC, the life expectancy of a t-belt is 80k or 5 years, which ever comes first

03-14-2012, 04:20 PM	#2
grillage AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cincinnati OH Posts: 407	If you have the means you should do it. Where are you? Someone might be able to lend you the special tools required. __________________ 1994 Audi Cabriolet (now with 5 speed!) 1994 Audi Cabriolet - the really really crappy one 1995.5 Audi S6 1993 Audi 90 CS Quattro (sold)

03-14-2012, 04:41 PM	#3
Luxus Panzer AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Canada (NCR) Posts: 7,638	if it breaks you could have a fubar engine. I would replace the T-belt W-Pump T-Stat All rollers Acc belt Acc belt tentioner Cam seals Crank seal All is accessible when you do a timing belt...standard for when I buy a 12v __________________ "Spartans never die" Spartan 051 - Kurt Status:MIA

03-14-2012, 05:05 PM	#4
Prospeeder AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 837	Boy that is a long time. But I wouldnt fear it for a 1400 mile drive. I have seen V6 Audi cars go 150k before they finally break the belt. While the 1.8T cars somtimes break at 85k lol. I would just drive it on your trip and then do a timing belt and the whole bit when you have time. __________________ 1992 Audi 100 CS Quattro 1990 Audi 200 Avant Turbo Quattro 1991 Audi 200 Turbo 1999 Audi A6 Avant

03-16-2012, 03:31 PM	#6
CRAZY_RUSSIAN AudiWorld Super User 1993 Audi 90 My Garage Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque,NM Posts: 2,051	im with Luxus on this, IIRC, the life expectancy of a t-belt is 80k or 5 years, which ever comes first __________________ 1993 Audi 90CS Quattro (loving it) new front struts, 034 control arm bushings, tie rods. mount savers. B5 sport rear springs/socks, B5 sport swaybar, B5 upper a-arms, 034street density trans mounts,17" ASA, head lights, aux gauges. blue plasma instrument cluster, A4 3 spoke steering wheel, aluminum subframe mounts) replaced a motor at the end of 2008, gasket matched heads, ARP head studs, air box velocity stack, 4 to 3 wire MAF conversion, 18.5lbs flywheel with SPEC stage 2 clutch. 1975 VW bus (gone) 1973 VW Super Beetle (what was i thinking?) 1968 VW Bug (my pride and joy) 2.5 inch front drop and disk brake conversion, 2110cc motor (in progress)new wiring harness,3 inch wider fenders all around, 195/45r15 front and 195/65r15 rear tiers 1991 GMC Sonoma RWD, manual, 4 banger (gone) 1979 Suzuki GS750EN with 31k original miles 1981 Suzuki GS750L (will be on a chopping block for a bobber) 1981 Yamaha XV920 1983 Yamaha XV750 (for g.f.) 1985 Dnepr MT10-36 (stolen) 1992 Dnepr MT11-32 (also stolen)

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03-14-2012, 06:08 PM	#5
ocornboy AudiWorld Newcomer Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 2	Thanks for the information. I will not have time to do any work myself. I am flying to pick the car up and drive it back. I think I will go ahead and get it done. It will need done some time and better to be safe than sorry. Guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being overly cautious. I usually buy new and sell them long before any major service is due. This is my first try at a used car that I want to maintain and keep. Thanks! Great forum!