Timing belt

[Kineticconsular]

I have recently bought my (61} audi A3 black edition s line 2.0 TDI as my first car, upon the service history it looks as though it hasn't been done with 90k on the clock

, what is the recommended amount of miles it should be done, thanks.

[audia4b5kev]

every 60k    i do mine 

[cliffcoggin]

60000 miles is the usual recommendation. Yours is well overdue.

[Kineticconsular]

Thanks for the reply, looking over my Audi service schedule booklet, it actually says it recommends all Audi toothed belts, be replaced at 115k.  anyway, i'll have the car booked in immediately 

[Magnet]

Hello Alexander,

There will always be a maximum mileage, and equally important a time limit in terms of years , so the schedule will advise x miles or x years - whichever comes first. 

If this were mine, I would be calling in to my local Audi dealer and asking them to confirm whether it has been done or not to set your mind at rest re. ‘... it looks as though it hasn’t been done..’ Even if their system does not record it being done, it is not necessarily confirmation that it hasn’t, since it could have been done by an independent or local garage. 

Unless you have confirmation it has been done, then I would be agreeing with the advice already given, ( although I don’t have any evidence to support the 60k mileage limit) but would be confirming with the Audi dealers what the current recommended schedule actually is. 

Do you intend to do this job yourself, or get it done for you? If the latter, then it would be worth checking costings with the dealer since they sometimes have offers on this work. 

If you are going to DIY it, or more importantly get a local garage to do it, then in my book the quality of parts used is as important as getting the job done. If not using (my recommendation) genuine Audi parts, then the only (in caps) alternative I would use would be Gates, but I would not (in caps) use their water pumps. It has to be a no-exception dealer only water pump in my book. If you want a contact for genuine main dealer parts at discount then just let me know. 

Hope some of this helps,

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Kineticconsular]

I've been able to call all the garages that have serviced the car, i've checked since 60k, and all have said they've no records of it being done, 

[Magnet]

Thanks for the extra detail Alexander.

Sounds good, and the original handbook pack is a always a good first port of call. However, the original 9 year old recommendation might well have changed now in light of more recent experience. 

Have you managed to discuss the parts-to-be-used situation with the garage who is going to do this for you? 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Kineticconsular]

I have a local V-a-g group specialist who has quoted me roughly £550 to have the belt and water pump done, i will make a note of the parts you've recommended to me, is that a good price ?  I'm guessing Audi would charge me a hella lot more.

thanks for the help, my small knowledge of cars and reality is starting to show 😕

[Magnet]

Hello Alexander,

’...Roughly £550... does not sound a good start to me, since it is obviously an estimate rather than a quotation. 

‘I’m guessing Audi will charge me a hella lot more’. As you say Alexander, that is a guess, and if it were mine, I would most certainly be seeking quotations from a couple of local Audi dealers to be sure, and as I said, they sometimes have offers on such major servicing items. I wouldn’t be afraid of asking if they have any offers -  after(in caps) you have their initial quotation! You will not have any concerns about the parts used via. that route, but check it I’ll include the water pump renewal.

Via. an independent? Many will only use VAG parts, but. More competitive price is fine, if there is a guarantee that it’s like for like on genuine parts.  

If this were mine, I would also be changing the auxiliary belt (unless there is service confirmation that it has been changed) since if this subsequently fails, it can wrap itself around the crank pulley for example, and cause the cam belt to jump a tooth. Oops moment! 

Kind regards,

Gareth.