A3 Timing Belt

[Metalgaff]

Good morning, I have an 2015 A3 1.4 TFSI. Any views of when timing belt needs replacing. my vehicle has 60,000 miles covered, my audi dealer says it's due April 2020. Which is 5 years from new, but the manual says 100,000 or more! Bit confused, cheers. Peter. 

[Magnet]

Hello Peter,

Recommended timing belt change intervals are always quoted as ‘x miles or x number of years - whichever comes first.

You will need to recheck with the main dealer, and I would suggest checking with a couple. 5 years or approx. 100,000 whichever comes first sounds about right - but I would certainly recheck this against the above logic. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. The quality of parts used is vitally important since this critical application should definitely not be treated as a best-price job.

[Metalgaff]

Thanks for your input, when I replace the belt should I use audi parts. Or would Patern parts be ok.regards, Peter. 

 

[Magnet]

Hello Peter,

I think the answer to your question has been covered in my p.s., and if you are still querying it, then the impression gained is that you are attempting to get this done at the lowest cost. That is understandable, but....

Some questions will need to be answered if advice is going to be meaningful:- 

Has the vehicle been main dealer serviced throughout its 3 year warranty period and the 4th year? 

If yes, do you intend to continue this servicing regime? 

Is there any chance that you are considering doing this job yourself? 

If not, are you considering getting a local garage to do the job for you?

If so, they are more likely to use aftermarket parts obtainable at best prices to them, and the quality of some of these parts can be questionable. What guarantee do you have that they will use the make of parts you will specify? 

To try to summarise:- main dealers often have offers on such jobs, so worth checking around a couple. The main issue with aftermarket parts is potentially problematic water pumps. Personally, I would recommend main dealer parts only.

If you wish to save a little bit, then the only aftermarket make I would use would be a Gates kit, but I would not use their kits which include a water pump, since I don’t know the aftermarket source of their pumps. Bottom line - if you want to save a bit of money then use a Gates kit with a no-exception main dealer water pump, but as I first said, I would not treat this critical application job as one where cost is king. Just not worth the risk.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

 

[Metalgaff]

Hello Gareth, thanks for your further advice, I was thinking of having the belt fitted at a non Audi main dealer,but with Audi genuine parts,but would definitely get a couple of quotes from Audi dealerships, is it standard practice to have the water pump changed with the belt change, many thanks for your advice. Peter. 

[Magnet]

Hello Peter,

The in-between of an Audi main dealer and an ‘ordinary’ garage would be an Audi ‘independent’ specialist. You should find one relatively local to you, or even better, via. a recommendation on here from someone in your area. 

I would still try main dealerships since they sometimes have offers on such things. Worth shopping around a couple or so. 

Genuine Audi parts can be obtained from TPS (Trade Parts Supply) who I believe have depots nationally. Sometimes parts are available to non account holders at a discount - sometimes not - so worth having your main dealer prices to hand for comparison. 

Water pumps and changes? I wouldn’t advise changing the cambelt assembly without changing the water pump on Audi - on Volvo for example, OK. As said, the big must in my book is do not (in caps) use any pump other than a genuine Audi one, whatever assurances you may be given. If anyone is going to be cost conscious on this, then leave the old one in rather than use an aftermarket one. I think you will find Audi will tell you they (only?) do reconditioned ones and need your old one to be returned. So I’m told, the pumps are new, but VAG want your old one back to scrap it to keep it out of the any substandard outside reconditioning service! Beware of aftermarket ones specified to be of OE quality and therefore as good as VAG. Words are cheap! 

Other associated parts worth considering:- auxiliary belt and tensioner, since if this belt goes, it has been known to break the plastic cambelt cover, wrap itself where it shouldn’t be, and wreck the engine. 

Hope some of this helps. 

Kind regads,

Gareth.m

[Metalgaff]

Hello again Gareth, thank you very much for your advice. Will take onboard your comments, great advice, thank you.Peter. 

[Steve O]

Gareth

I've been quoted £745 by an Audi main dealer to replace the cambelt and water pump. Do you have any idea how much of this relates to the water pump and the fitting of it? It just seems strange that a water pump only has a life of 5 years on what is supposed to be a premium car brand.

[Magnet]

Hello Steve,

OK, The logic is that if you don’t change it now, along with the cambelt assembly, then it’s going to stay put and be expected to do around 120,000 miles by the next time the belt change is due. Would you be happy to ‘take the risk’ with that mileage? 

Replacing the water pump at the same time as the cambelt assembly entails a relatively small amount of extra work in terms of extra labour. Changing it at some later date just doesn’t make economical sense. The cost of the water pump as a part? Around £100? ,so not changing it is going to save a bit of the overall large sum,  but the risk factor of a blown engine at some point prior to 120,000 miles, of service has to be considered. 

If this were mine, I would be seeking alternative quotes at other main dealers, but ensure the work carried out will be like for like. I would then get quotes from reputable independents using only genuine VAG parts.

Apologies for repeating. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Keith M]

My Audi A3Saloon 1.4TFSI is nearly 5 years old but only done 20,000 miles. my dealer says that the cam belt needs changing. Any Ideas?

[RoyC]

16 minutes ago, Keith M said:

My Audi A3Saloon 1.4TFSI is nearly 5 years old but only done 20,000 miles. my dealer says that the cam belt needs changing. Any Ideas?

https://www.sinclairaudi.co.uk/news/how-often-should-a-cambelt-be-changed-on-audi-a3/#:~:text=It is recommended that you,cambelt every 40%2C000-60%2C000 miles.  

When Should Audi A3 timing belt be changed?

It is important your cambelt is changed at regular intervals to ensure optimum safety and performance of your Audi, it is recommended that your cambelt gets replaced every 5 years or 75,000 miles, whichever comes first.

[Magnet]

Hello Keith,

Thanks for joining.

If your car has only done an average of 4K miles a year, then your cambelt has had a hammering ( as we say in Wales) unless your mileage has been covered in irregular long trips. 
Short journeys, and particular if stop/start is engaged, will result in higher than normal stresses on belts, so yes, it does need changing at the 5 year interval. 
I would recommend you also have the auxiliary belt renewed at the same time. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Scoops]

On 8/21/2022 at 10:24 AM, Magnet said:

Hello Keith,

Thanks for joining.

If your car has only done an average of 4K miles a year, then your cambelt has had a hammering ( as we say in Wales) unless your mileage has been covered in irregular long trips. 
Short journeys, and particular if stop/start is engaged, will result in higher than normal stresses on belts, so yes, it does need changing at the 5 year interval. 
I would recommend you also have the auxiliary belt renewed at the same time. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

I’ve just joined the Forum and want to say thank you. 👍  You’ve basically answered what I was going to ask.  I was informed at the last service in Oct 2022 that my 2017 Audi needs cam belt replacement as 5+ years old, my mileage is only 35K but do lots of short journeys, so no doubt in my mind now that it does need doing. I’ve been quoted £486inc, I’m assuming that will include the water pump but will double check that and ensure it’s done if not included in the quote. 
 

Many thanks to all for useful info on here.

Best regards

[Scoops]

On 8/21/2022 at 10:24 AM, Magnet said:

Hello Keith,

Thanks for joining.

If your car has only done an average of 4K miles a year, then your cambelt has had a hammering ( as we say in Wales) unless your mileage has been covered in irregular long trips. 
Short journeys, and particular if stop/start is engaged, will result in higher than normal stresses on belts, so yes, it does need changing at the 5 year interval. 
I would recommend you also have the auxiliary belt renewed at the same time. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

I’ve just joined the Forum and want to say thank you. 👍  You’ve basically answered what I was going to ask.  I was informed at the last service in Oct 2022 that my 2017 Audi needs cam belt replacement as 5+ years old, my mileage is only 35K but do lots of short journeys, so no doubt in my mind now that it does need doing. I’ve been quoted £486inc, I’m assuming that will include the water pump but will double check that and ensure it’s done if not included in the quote. 
Many thanks to all for useful info on here.

Best regards

PS: Apparently no need to do water pump as fed on the other side of the camshaft. My independent is now quoting £510 inc VAT booked in for Feb. 👍

[Magnet]

Many thanks Ann.
We’re the quotes of £486 and now £510 both from the same source? If so, I guess that increase is due to the parts price increase between the 2 quote dates -? 
As a matter of interest, have you had a price from your local main dealer? I tend to check with them since it doesn’t always work out that independents are cheaper on all jobs - cambelts being one, due to main dealers often having offers on renewing these. 
One other thing I would point out is that I would be renewing the    auxiliary belt ( sometimes called serpentine belt) at the same time, since it generally has to be removed anyway, and the increase will only be the cost of the belt. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Scoops]

Thanks for the info and advice Gareth.  Yes the 2 quotes were from my independent and, like you, have assumed due to price increases.

I haven’t approached the main dealer as there’s only an Audi Approved one here, but will do as you advise as definitely worth checking consider8ng the cost, will also ask about the auxiliary belt 👍 will update here when I’ve further info. 😀

 Best regards, Ann

[Scoops]

As promised… Got in touch with main dealer (in Ipswich) today. Quote for new cam belt and fitting incl VAT

£813.60 !!!

Asked the local approved one over here too, had to leave a message, but no one came back to me.  Will be sticking with my independent. 👍

[PJG]

I have been following the discussion about timing belt changes. Looking at Audi sites in the USA only the milage limit is mentioned and never a 5 year time limit. Why is this?

[Magnet]

Hello Pete,

Thanks for joining. 
To try to answer your question - I don’t know why Audi USA sites don’t stipulate a service time limit. To take that to its logical conclusion, you could say, have a 30 year old belt that is considered to be still serviceable on a low mileage vehicle that has been started from cold more often than it’s completed a sensible journey. Just doesn’t seem right, but they do things differently in America! 
Does your information come from a genuine VAG site? 
If so, it might be worth asking Audi U.K. why their recommendations vary. 
Perhaps you can come back to us Pete.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 
p.s. Can we take it yours has already been done? 

 

[PJG]

 

In reply to Magnet,

The US Audi dealer can be found by this link https://www.prestigeimports.net/service/your-guide-to-audi-scheduled-maintenance-intervals-and-procedures/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=iiEfW1QCajASVeZAzZQvIn8V4nqGjB91ypkTQVDoW4c-1682625050-0-gaNycGzNC-U

The associated link for the Audi A3 2015 is here https://di-uploads-development.dealerinspire.com/prestigeimportsredesign/uploads/2015/12/Audi-Maintenance-Schedule-Model-Year-2015.pdf

You may need to copy and paste these urls.

My car will be 8 years old this year and has only 43000 miles on the clock. At the last service the Audi dealer did ask about getting the cambelt changed but I just pointed out the service handbook information that did not mention a time interval and he made no further comment. The belt has not been changed yet.

My previous car was an A4 1.9 TDi 2005. Cambelt was changed after  57k miles and 5 years. That car is still around and has now covered 120k miles with no further cambelt change. It is easy to inspect the belt on this model and it still looks to be in excellent condition.

I find all the conflicting information quite bewildering.

[Magnet]

Thanks Pete, 

If it were mine, I would be following the U.K. principle of ‘ ……or 5 years, whichever comes first’, but it’s your car and your call. 
Your car has covered a small mileage over quite a length of time, and maybe it has covered that mileage in relatively short trips, rather than infrequent long journeys - you don’t tell us. 
If the former, then the belt is getting more of a hammering than a vehicle used for regular motorway mileage. 
If it is equipped with stop/start then that  just compounds the stresses. 
The Audi dealer has done the right thing and offered you a cambelt change, but you have declined, so the risk now rests with you. 
Only you can judge whether having the money still in your account is more important than the risk of a wrecked engine should this belt decide to part company. 
Of course, it may not, and that is the gambling situation you are now in. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 
p.s. If you find the conflicting information bewildering ( and I’m not sure why you go to American sites), then one school of thought would be to err on the side of caution and get it changed without further delay. 

[oake]

I've had my 2017 A3 Cabrio 1.4 TFSi serviced from new by my local Audi dealership.
Last year, they suggested I needed a brake fluid change, new plugs, and a new cam belt. The total quote was a bit alarming, so I declined the cam belt change. I probably should have declined the plugs and brake fluid!
Anyway, having researched the cam belt issue, I decided to go for it this year. The car has done 16,700 miles, mostly in long journeys around Europe, and it sits around doing nothing for most of the year. The tyres dried out and cracked because of this inactivity, so I fitted a new set last summer.
Audi charged me £599 for the cam belt work, on top of the standard cost for the annual service. I was disappointed to find that they hadn't replaced the water pump, but they were adamant it wasn't necessary, because the pump was in A1 condition.
So the bill for the cam belt change was £599 without a change of water pump, but with a free MOT thrown in.
Just for information - I'm not recommending anything!
 

Steve
 

[PJG]

On 4/28/2023 at 3:42 PM, PJG said:

 

In reply to Magnet,

The US Audi dealer can be found by this link https://www.prestigeimports.net/service/your-guide-to-audi-scheduled-maintenance-intervals-and-procedures/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=iiEfW1QCajASVeZAzZQvIn8V4nqGjB91ypkTQVDoW4c-1682625050-0-gaNycGzNC-U

The associated link for the Audi A3 2015 is here https://di-uploads-development.dealerinspire.com/prestigeimportsredesign/uploads/2015/12/Audi-Maintenance-Schedule-Model-Year-2015.pdf

You may need to copy and paste these urls.

My car will be 8 years old this year and has only 43000 miles on the clock. At the last service the Audi dealer did ask about getting the cambelt changed but I just pointed out the service handbook information that did not mention a time interval and he made no further comment. The belt has not been changed yet.

My previous car was an A4 1.9 TDi 2005. Cambelt was changed after  57k miles and 5 years. That car is still around and has now covered 120k miles with no further cambelt change. It is easy to inspect the belt on this model and it still looks to be in excellent condition.

I find all the conflicting information quite bewildering.

Update.

This morning I delivered my A3 Sportback to my Audi Main Dealer and signed for the following work to commence: normal service plus cambelt and water pump change. I left the car in their care.  About 10 minutes after leaving I received a call from Audi advising that Audi UK no longer recommend cambelt changes at 5 years and a mileage only limit now applies (about 130,00 miles). They offered to scrap the worksheet I had signed and replaced it with just the normal service. This I gladly accepted and they refunded the prepaid cambelt fee I had paid.

I understand that this change to cambelt servicing has been communicated to all Audi UK dealers.

Needless to say, the Free MoT for life offer was withdrawn.

It will be interesting to hear if other members are now receiving the same advice. 

[Magnet]

Thanks Pete,

Still as interesting a topic as when you posted back in April. So, wading through this, your cambelt will not need changing for another 16 or so years, by which time it will be 24 years old, and probably sitting comfortably on top of another car in a scrap yard - if (in caps) the belt lasts that long in this constant stop/start era we find ourselves in. I’m old, and old fashioned, so  I think I’ll stick with earlier principles. 
Of course Pete, it’s your choice with what principle you follow - great, that’s saved me some money, or the peace of mind route. 
Whatever, you have at least been saved from linking into their free MOT for life deal, so count your lucky stars on that - that has a guaranteed affect of extracting funds from your wallet. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 
p.s. Wondered if you have any particular reason for using main dealers to service an eight year old car. Must be north of £120/hr. + VAT now? 

[PJG]

Hi Gareth, I use Audi's Flexible Service which means that they only see the car every two years. The cost of my latest service was £399 including parts. Viewing this as about £200 per year it looks quite reasonable. Also I know that I am getting genuine Audi parts.

Back to cambelts, perhaps the question should now be, "How long will a water pump last?" Then the advice would be, change the cambelt when the water pump is changed. At least a failing water pump won't spell instant disaster for the engine.

For Audi to now say, across their entire range that uses such belts, only mileage counts, they must have confidence in them and I expect that is backed by extensive research, advanced technology and user feed-back and warranty claims. Audi UK seems now to be aligned with Audi Germany.