A4 - Expensive timing belt replacement

[Monty88]

Has any one had this same problem with expensive timing belt replacement?
I took my 2002 3.0 litre A4 @ 45000kms for normal service with Audi dealer and was told it needed the timing belt replaced as part of the scheduled service. Bought the vehicle new and was running well. Apparently timing belt neeeds to be replaced every 4 years. The service cost was $1,500 and the timing belt replacement cost $2,900+. Total cost $4,400+. Great car but expensive to keep on the road.

[bammercole]

Wow, this sounds really expensive. Not sure why you were overcharged so much. The timing belt replacement is a good thing to do and you were probably at the mileage for it. Where did you go to have this serviced? In comparison, I had to have my head gasket replaced, which also included a timing belt replacement since it's no extra work when you have the engine torn down that much. I also had water pump, some other tensioners, etc replaced. Total cost was about $1900. I think the best thing to do is if someone gives you a really steep price, to just wait on the service, post here to find out if it's decent price and/or something necessary and then go back to the shop. I know everyone here would be happy to give advice!

[kirskor]

WOW, thats expensive. I have 2000 A4 1.8T QS ATW
@120000km I done my belt kit + water pump + timing shaft seal + new plugs and top engine gusket, also all the power belts were changed. All for 1200$ CANADIAN.
If anybody from Central Canada needs a mechanic I can recomend one.

[Reddog30jen]

I have been told that I need to replace my timing belt also. I believe that it has been replaced in the past but they tell me it is time again now because i have 110,000mi on it. I have been given estimates all the way from $600 to $1900 so I would say shop around because you can probably find a better deal.

[GlobalEliteHR]

Originally Posted by kirskor

WOW, thats expensive. I have 2000 A4 1.8T QS ATW
@120000km I done my belt kit + water pump + timing shaft seal + new plugs and top engine gusket, also all the power belts were changed. All for 1200$ CANADIAN.
If anybody from Central Canada needs a mechanic I can recomend one.

hey man - wondering who your guy is. I'm sitting at 117K and am thinking I'm due to get the work done.

question - just had the starter changed & the battery. yesterday the car turned over, but wouldn't start. I have a friend who is a mechanic and he said that it's likely the power surge relay? thoughts? 90% that the problem is electrical, does your mechanic do electrical as well?