How to tell if timing belt has been replaced?

[Micahseth]

Audi dealer says they couldn't find it in their system so I'm wondering how I can tell if it's been done on mine. It's a 2005 and just over 80K.


'05 A4 1.8T S-Line

[Dubsport Inc]

Hard to tell by looking at it whether it has 8K or 80K on it... unless there is cracks etc on belt surface! If you are unsure just do it, it sucks, but will give you piece of mind!
Richard

[rollerton]

I've seen a few belts with date codes printed on them. So if you're lucky and if your car is an 05' and the belt shas a date code with like 09' or 11' on it..you'd know it was done at least a few years ago.

[CyberPMG]

If you have no history on the service of the car, I would suggest doing the full timing belt service as soon as possible. This would include the timing belt, water pump (with metal impellers), tensioners, accessory belt, and a coolant flush. You can find complete kits at many online sites.

[mauromj]

Just do it regardless. I did mine around 30k ago but plan on doing it again soon for piece of mind. I am going to get a blue gates belt, IE manual tensioner along with an oem water pump since I skimped out with an aftermarket one last time.

[Micahseth]

How simple is the DIY?


'05 A4 1.8T S-Line

[Micahseth]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521820
Is this compatible or should I check my VIN since it's technically not a 2004?


'05 A4 1.8T S-Line

[BARRY]

take a GOOD high resolution picture and post it here. We will tell you if it needs changing. take a picture directly on top, diagonal, and bottom side so we can see the teeth clearly.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

In your manual it calls for the timing belt service at 105K if I remember correctly. But most people change timing belts every 60K, you're over the time marker most enthusiasts would change the belt but below what the manual calls for.

I would definitely do it ASAP and not let it go past the manufacture recommended service interval.

We have complete kits available below along with a very informative installation PDF

Click HERE to order or for more information


Be sure to check out our -----> Installation PDF <-----

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason

[B72011]

Not bad---at all. I used Phil's (300kts) extensive and superb DIY found here on AZ as well as some other DIY's from other site and from other info--including a printout of the Bentley procedure. All that and the help afforded to me by the fine folks on this site and it wasnt all that difficult. Hardest part was actually just having enough confidence to believe that my marks were actually all lined up and correct. Actually the hardest part of the job was doing the Thermostat since I was already in in there. Figured after having to do it on my B6, that it was worth the effort just to do it proactively since I had 85K on the car. It was only like a $50 part--OEM Behr I believe it was. Also, I think Id just bag the crank and cam seals unless they are leaking--but if you're comfortable with doing em---why not?
Good luck. Do it, to it.

How simple is the DIY?


'05 A4 1.8T S-Line

[BlazinB5]

Wouldn't the best piece to check be the tensioner? Usually that's the piece that fails - or so I've been told?

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[CyberPMG]

Jason at ECS Tuning gave you a link to their timing belt kits. Save yourself the worry and get the complete kit that includes the tensioner. Everything done. Piece of mind achieved.

[walky_talky20]

With 9 years and 80k on the belt, the rubber can be ready to fail. I have seen the teeth fall off a 1.8T belt (bending all the valves) at 11 years and 75k miles. It is my recommendation to change at 75k miles (the most recent Audi spec for 1.8T belts) OR 8 years maximum, whichever comes first.

It's not just a mileage thing, it's time as well.

[BlazinB5]

With 9 years and 80k on the belt, the rubber can be ready to fail. I have seen the teeth fall off a 1.8T belt (bending all the valves) at 11 years and 75k miles. It is my recommendation to change at 75k miles (the most recent Audi spec for 1.8T belts) OR 8 years maximum, whichever comes first.

It's not just a mileage thing, it's time as well.

My car has had its timing belt done once, but I'm not sure when. So far it's at 150,000. Any hints at what to inspect to make sure it's not due for another?

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[old guy]

If you are at 150k miles and it has only been changed once (at an unknown time) it's time to do it again. Now. Don't wait. Seriously. Do it.

[customa4]

If you are at 150k miles and it has only been changed once (at an unknown time) it's time to do it again. Now. Don't wait. Seriously. Do it.

x2

[g huns]

Unless you have a receipt for the work, accompanied by a sworn affidavit from the mechanic who installed it, and a note from the previous owners doctor, clergyman, and mother, each notarized, CHANGE IT NOW!

[Furly]

keep in mind the water pump and tensioners/pulleys are likely to fail before the belt itself. its best to replace it all if you have no proof it was done.
what's the cost of a timing belt job, compared to buying a new engine? its not worth gambling.

[BlazinB5]

thanks for the input guys. it's cheap enough to do to where i should just do it.

[sweber011]

thanks for the input guys. it's cheap enough to do to where i should just do it.

Get a bentley and printout the DIY's online and do it yourself. Give yourself a weekend to get it done and take your time, if you go slow it's hard to mess it up. I'm about to do mine myself. Good luck!

[Furly]

i'd like to also add, if the car was dealer serviced, you can find out until what mileage it was last serviced by an audi dealer. if it's around the mileage you got the car, then i would say the TB has not been done yet. unless of course it was done outside of the warranty period. still not worth the gamble if you dont have solid proof.