I went to Audi Belfast today suspect leaking water pump to be replaced under warranty but they said if I don’t pay for a new timing belt and kit they will put the old one back on , what a joke belt has done 72000 !!!!

Welcome Ryan, 

No it isn’t a joke at all. If you read the numerous posts on here about cambelts, you will see that VAG’s recommendation for cambelt changes has been extended to remove the time limit (previously 5 years).

The full story will be revealed when you read the threads.

Under the old recommendation, your car would have needed a cambelt change in 2024 ( which I guess you didn’t do??).

When you read the relevant posts, you will realise that you are coming off lightly, in sofaras they are paying for the water pump and in effect the labour to renew the cambelt, and it’s understandable they would otherwise just refit the old belt and assembly in line with the new (ish) recommendation

Hope this clarified.

Regards,

Gareth. .
 

Notice you have returned to the forum Ryan, so could you let us know if the belt assembly has already been changed in the car’s 72K miles to date? 

I decided to go ahead and have Audi Belfast fit a new belt and tensioners at a cost to me parts only they will stand the Labour cost so not to bad for £250 and peace of mind