Stock Timing belt

[97YellowA4]

Does anyone know what timing belt audi uses stock on the 97 a4 1.8qtm. this guy tells me he replaced it but hes skecthy. thank you

[B5A4Kevin]

i dunno exact part number but depending on mileage, its very easy to distinguish a replaced timing belt vs a OE one. take off the engine trim cover (3x quarter turn plastic quick screws), and take loose the 2 timing belt cover clips. no need to completely remove the cover, just peek in at the belt. bump the starter (dont start) and check a few different location on the belt. look for glazed or cracked exterior, cracked teeth, and if the part number and markings are still visible on the belt surface. if the belt was recently replaced, it will look brand new. if its still the original one, yo will definetly be able to tell. also check the t-belt for cracking since most people replace it when they do the t-belt.

[tdn]

I believe it's the tensioner that causes the failure we've all come to know and love. I think your best bet is to bring it to a reputable mechanic for their opinion.

I'm curious, what makes you think the mechanic is sketchy?

[Mike@PureMS]

Personally, if you have any doubts about if it's been changed or not, I'd go and change it anyway. The damages that can result will be so much more than the cost of the timing belt.

See what you can do about finding out if it's really been changed before or not.

[97YellowA4]

i didnt say the mechanic was sketchy the guy i bought the car off of was sketchy. but i did notice it still has the comptech yellow stamp so i guess it must have recently been replaced.