how to tell if the timing belts been changed 98a4 2.8

[sethlamb]

Help please?

[AudiStone]

how many miles do you have on it

[guy022077]

you cant really, if they are in question just replace it.

however to answer your Q, the person likely replaced the idle pullies and tensioner and other related items, look at those and see if they are new looking. You can also just look at the belt and see if it looks old. You can tell the difference between a belt with 80k and 1k but 80k or 50k may not be possible, make sense?

[sethlamb]

Yea. Imma check it out iver thr weekend

[walky_talky20]

You can look at the manufacturer of the t-belt. If it doesn't have Audi rings, it may be a replacement.

Also, you can get some idea of the age by the wear of the belt, cracking, etc. Also by the wearing of the printing on the belt. If it is mostly faded off, it is getting old. The print will stay pretty bright for 20 or 30k miles. Also, you can look to see if the water pump has been replaced. If it has been changed recently, it should be nice bright aluminum. Most mechanics also mark under the hood with a sticker or paint marker with the mileage the belt was done. A dealership usually uses an official looking maintenance sticker. Sometimes on the Audi's, I've seen it marked under one of the plastic engine covers. On the belt cover, rad support, and shock tower are other common places.

You should be able to get a good look at the belt and water pump by pulling the driver side top belt cover. This will probably require taking the accessory belt off slightly (dropping it off the power steering pulley).

Also, for a 98, regardless of mileage the belt should be done by now. The car is 13 years old. T-belt intervals are usually 8-10 years. So if it is still original, it needs to be done.