cam belt change

[rafiqs]

hi
i have just bought a Audi A6 2.5 TDI 2003 privately. the service book has a stamp which says it needs a cambelt change at 80000 miles. the car has done 55000 miles. should i follow this advice or change it earlier.

[a8 tech]

providing the mileage is correct then leave it till 80,000 as it aint cheap to have these belts done and you will have to replace the two tensioners and idle pulleys as well.I cant recall the belts snaping but i have seen the tensioners collapse at high mileage causing the valves to get personal with the pistons and the camshaft caps snap

[cbrpaul]

isnt there a time factor also ?

ie change at the mileage or years , whichever comes first ,

[a8 tech]

well yes its about 5 years

[cbrpaul]

nice 1 a8 ,

I know its 4 years or 40,000 miles on my Sharan , and mines cambelt is due end of 2008 or another 20,000 miles



So rafiqs could have another year or so , or another 25,000 miles which ever comes first

[a8 tech]

well i would always replace the belt and tensioner and waterpump(if driven by the belt)when buying a used car but thats just me.

[rafiqs]

thank you for all your replies. the next service is due in 6000 miles and i will check and see if i can have it changed. any good Audi specialists in north london you guys know if?

[hagis]

Out of interest, what can I expect to pay for a cambelt replacement on an 02 A4 1.9 TDI?

[a8 tech]

Well i cant give you the exact price but its 3 hours labour plus parts,so dealer price would be dependant on location as its about £90 per hour up ere and £130 down in the posh bits of the country