Timing belt no longer a time Interval requirement?

[Markest]

Hi I’m looking at both an Audi. A6 2014 does the 2.0 TDI have a chain or Belt.

the second is an Audi A5 2013 2.0 TDI does this have a belt or chain please 

[DarrenJC]

2.0 TDI is belt driven as far as I'm aware. My A6 is anyway 👍

[Browner]

On 7/29/2023 at 9:43 PM, Steve Q said:

Oh wow, not heard of that. Don't know if I'd trust it especially when the old schedule was at 5 years. However I must admit my daily ford Kuga is 10 years 🤔

Isn't this a case of VAG group previously 'overstating the change frequency in order to boost their renewal revenues..... and the regulators have issued them with a warning ??

I'd need to see technical performance data to convince me that Ford use superior 'rubber' in their belts over and above what VAG use.... 

 

it's much more likely that VAG have been conning everyone with change frequencies that are simply not necessary .... or maybe someone 'technical' X-VAG knows better ?????  

[Magnet]

Hello whoever you are - we haven’t a clue since you have chosen not to fill your profile in! 

Although your opinion is valid - it is just that, and some may agree with you, but I think that if you choose to read through the earlier posts, I think you will conclude that the consensus of opinion points to not too many members being content to dismiss a cambelt change on a timed basis, and risk the possibility of a catastrophic failure. 

Would you care to now fill in your profile properly, at which point you will be very welcome to opine further. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[MR.T]

Update from me, my local (independent) service guys first alerted me to the possibility of a 5 year requirement but do not have the bit of kit required to change the timing belt. I called Audi in Plymouth to try and confirm and having taken my reg number they advised the interval was 140k miles and NOT five years. Frankly, I am still concerned.... Does anyone know of a good independent near me that I can try? TIA.

 

[Magnet]

Hello Mark,

Have a read through the various posts on the subject, and continue to be concerned. 
Sorry I can’t help with a local independent, but have you tried a Google search. 
I would have thought that a trusted local garage should be able to do this for you. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Realist]

Just checked mine via all the paperwork I have and mine was changed pulleys, pump etc on 28/08/20 with 87500 miles.

It’s now 4 years later and the mileage is sitting at around 120k that’s 32500 miles since the last belt change was carried out.
 

Reading the above and all my paperwork that says the next belt change is at 140k.
 

Am I ok for the next 20k and for me that’s another 2 years of use.

Dont fancy another bill today just had my car back after changing the Cooler, EGR and pipework with its service at a cost of £1500.00.

Thanks.

Edited August 9 by Realist

[Magnet]

Hello Brian,

Do you know why it’s now c140k miles, and do you know this is as a result of more recent changes of policy with VAG? 

Perhaps you can follow the advice given to Mr T on 13th June, - I.e. read the previous posts, and let us know what you decide in your particular case. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Realist]

Well the way I look at it is if the car manufacturer says its 140k then who am I to argue.

 

[Magnet]

Indeed, as we would say around here Brian - except VAG stand to make very little money from selling you a cambelt kit, but belt snaps, bang goes your engine - beyond  economical repair - and VAG entices you to buy another one at great expenditure to yourself, but don’t worry, think about the profit you will then be giving to VAG. 
To me, it’s still every 5 years, but we are all different.

Expensive item to replace is a 2014 A6 with previously much wear left in it. 

[Realist]

If that's the case I still have another 12 months left with most probs around 10k in miles.

[Magnet]

You make your own decision Brian. It’s your car and your chances. Just give the posts a good read, and make your decision either to follow VAG’s current recommendation - which it seems you favour, or Vag’s earlier recommendations. 
You are a free spirit and can decide what suits you. 

[Big-Al]

Hi

 

I previously had A4 1.9 tdi and changed the belt ever 60k. Once by the dealer 2002 £480 second by brother and myself. Belt kit £120.

 

I now own a 2010 A4 2.0 tdi 83k on the clock. I purchased it in 2014 with 23k on the clock. I nearly 99 percent certain it belt arrangement I was going to sell now decide to keep the car. I expected that I would have to get the belt changed.

 

I contacted Audi and was informed that the 5 year rule has been removed and the mileage change  limit is 140k. So technically I do not need to change the belt !.

 

I asked Audi for a price including water pump they quoted £1186. I asked my brother how much a a good quality belt kit costs £180. 

 

So as other members of the group is it worth change or forget? Risk v reward 

 

If I use full life costing the car is valued in the order of £1800 so the dealer costs look ridiculous in terms of value to risk value. I try and get an independent garage cost to undertake the work.

Thoughts? Comments welcome 

[Magnet]

Welcome Alan and thanks for joining. 
Thoughts? 
Fortunately, all the ‘thoughts’ are there in the posts against this thread, and once read, you should be sufficiently armed to make a decision that suits you. 
This forum should be a bit like your insurance company - it provides the information which allows you to make your choice, but it does not recommend. I know what decision I’ve come to and I’ll adhere to that. 
Perhaps you could let us know what you decide Alan.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[cliffcoggin]

Given that:

1/ nobody has access to any hard date regarding durability testing of belts,

2/ Audi advice has been inconsistent and variable over the years,

it becomes a matter of opinion and experience when a belt should be changed. I would prefer to change the belt too often rather then too rarely despite the high cost, because the consequences of belt failure are vastly more costly. Others may choose to delay the change as long as possible and risk a wrecked engine. How lucky do you feel?

[Magnet]

Made a decision yet Alan? 

[Big-Al]

I rang another audi dealer to confirm the removal of the 5 year rule and to confirm it 140 miles interval not 140k. It is 140miles belt change and no time period on the CAGA engine. 

[Magnet]

Yes, we know that that is confirmed fact, and that is why the thread was set up. 
The question to all enquirers - having now read the responses -is:-

Are you going to stick with the old recommendation?

or

Are you going to follow the new recommendation? 

That’s why we are interested in what decision you have decided to go with - ? 

Perhaps you could let us know which you are going to go with Alan. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Big-Al]

Hi

I getting quetos from independent garages for belt and water pump replacement so far £672. Need to contact my local garage.

At present the audi dealer price if £1168 is ridiculous. Once I get price from my local garage I make decision and update the group.

Thanks Al

[Telsown]

Just a question on this subject which is very interesting.

Because I am about to purchase a 2016 A3 petrol auto with quattro having done 40,000mls

It would prove very helpful to know at what date Audi move the ‘proverbial goalpost’. 

So the 5yr interval for me would be 2021 for a scheduled cam belt change. So for many of us, we need to know the exact date that Audi made this change.

? 

Edited October 6 by Telsown
Typo

[Telsown]

On 11/13/2023 at 2:25 PM, Richy76 said:

Just phoned Audi Exeter for cambelt water pump change , I have a q3 black edition 2018 48000 on the clock , have been told the 5 year is now not required just to do it at 130000 miles

Hi Ian, that’s what I was looking for: The date Audi changed the rules. Nice one!

[Magnet]

Hello Terry,

It seems you are commenting on a response posted about a year ago, and I really don’t think it answers the question of when the goal posts were moved. 
As I understand it - whenever the dictate changed- it was changed retrospectively, so the date doesn’t really matter. 

What you do need is a copy of the service history print out for your car - should be available from a dealer, as opposed to the current ( non Audi ?) seller. This will confirm whether the belt assembly was changed in 2021 or not. 
If it was, fine. If it wasn’t, then you have to read the responses on here and decide whether you are going to abide with the new  recommendations ( and the potential pitfalls that go along with that), or stick with the better-safeguard old recommendations. 

Perhaps you could let us know what decision you come to Terry.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[Telsown]

Hello Gareth,

Yes, sorry I’ve picked up on an old post, it so happens however it is very relevant to my making a  decision on purchasing a used Audi A3.

From what you say it appears I have more to consider than would normally be.

So, if I’m to understand you correctly. I should contact my local Audi main dealership to ask for an history printout. Then I have all the information I need to make an informed decision on whether to purchase or not.

Wish me luck! 

Thank you for your input.

Terry.

ps. I will indeed let you know how it all goes.

 

[MR.T]

On 6/13/2024 at 4:00 PM, MR.T said:

Update from me, my local (independent) service guys first alerted me to the possibility of a 5 year requirement but do not have the bit of kit required to change the timing belt. I called Audi in Plymouth to try and confirm and having taken my reg number they advised the interval was 140k miles and NOT five years. Frankly, I am still concerned.... Does anyone know of a good independent near me that I can try? TIA.

 

NB 2019 Q3 Petrol.

 

I decided to email them to get it in writing, they confirmed:

 

Good morning,

 

Thank you for your enquiry  - I can confirm that the timing belt is due 140k the five year interval has been removed.

 

Regards,  

 

Suzanne Redding

Service Advisor

Plymouth Audi

Eagle Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 5JY

T: 01752 202515    W: www.marshall.co.uk

[Magnet]

Hello Terry,

Before buying any secondhand car, I would:-

Check the on-line MOT history.

Check the on-line DVLA Vehicle Check. In addition to giving you the registration dates etc. it will also tell you when the last V5 was issued. This may ( just may) be relevant if it’s had a recent change of ownership - possibly suggesting short term ownership. 
If you are happy with what you have then found, contact an Audi dealer and ask them if they could provide you with a print out of the on-line service history. It’s surprising how often seller-claimed FSH disappears into the ether when proof is asked for! 
If everything adds up at this point, get the car independently inspected before committing to buy, unless you are totally competent at doing this yourself. 
Perhaps you could come back to us with your findings ( pre inspection) Terry. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.