Audi a4 1.8 t timing belt replacement interval

What does a timing belt replacement cost for my Audi?

The cost of replacing your timing belt varies from car to car, even location to location. Smaller Audi cars with smaller engines are generally less expensive than a larger Audi with a bigger engine.  Metropolitan areas usually mean higher costs, too.

Belts themselves aren’t that expensive. The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).

Have a timing chain instead of a timing belt? Lucky you, because they can actually last the lifetime of your car.

For more information, read our article What is a timing belt?

When do I need to replace/change the timing belt on my Audi?

Although timing belts are critical, there’s no need to replace them regularly –unless explicitly recommended in your Audi owner’s manual. Some automakers recommend changing a timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000, others don’t.

Many of today’s timing belts can go 100,000 miles or more without needing to be replaced.  In fact, not all cars use a rubber timing belt. Some use a timing chain that can actually outlast the engine.

If your owner’s manual doesn’t have a recommended schedule, and you suspect something may be wrong, you can have a mechanic do a visual inspection, which includes removing the timing belt cover attached to the engine block. If your mechanic notices that your belt is cracked, frayed or worn down, then it’s time to replace your timing belt.

What happens when the timing belt breaks on my Audi?

You don’t want to know. But if you must, it’s not good. There’s usually a lot of noise, and if you’re driving you won’t be for long. You’ll be stranded, and your engine will probably be damaged (metal components can actually break, hence all the noise). How much damage is anyone’s guess. Bottom line? Don’t let this happen.

Does the timing belt on my Audi make noise?

A timing belt won’t make noise when it’s in good condition — aside from the usual noises that come with the symphony of moving parts of the typical internal combustion engine. However, when your timing belt starts to go, that’s another story.

Usually, but not always, a timing belt will make a high-pitched, squeaking or ticking noise before it fails. If you hear this type of noise coming from your engine, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional. Because if you let the noise go on for too long and your timing belt breaks, the result is an expensive headache you don’t need.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt for a Audi?

Depending on the vehicle, you either have a timing belt or a timing chain. Belts usually need to be replaced at some point of ownership whereas chains can last the lifetime of your car. So, for the sake of argument, let’s assume your Audi has a timing belt. Here are a few common symptoms of a timing belt gone bad:

• Rough idling or engine misfiring
• Car won’t start
• A high-pitched squeaking or ticking noise coming from the engine
• Loss of oil pressure
• Oil leak from the front of the engine
• Check engine light comes on

People usually discover a bad timing belt when it’s too late — and it breaks. You want to avoid this nightmare scenario all costs, because if you don’t, it’ll cost you big time. So, if you suspect you have a bad timing belt, the best thing to do is have it inspected by your mechanic as soon as you can.

You know you’re supposed to get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so, check your battery every season, and take your car in for a transmission fluid replacement around every 50,000 miles. You take your Audi’s scheduled maintenance seriously because you know that’s what it takes to maximize its lifespan and get the best performance possible. But how much thought do you give to the timing belt? Left ignored, a timing belt can wear and break, destroying your engine and causing thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. To help you avoid expensive Audi repairs, our import repair shop in Raleigh is walking you through everything you need to know about timing belt replacement. 

What Does the Timing Belt Do?

Before we get to the timing belt, let’s talk about the crankshaft and camshafts for a moment.

• Crankshaft - converts linear energy into rotational energy and, in working with pistons in the engine, allows the car to move forward and in reverse. 

• Camshaft - spins in a way that allows the lobes of the intake and exhaust valves to open in time with the piston motions, allowing the air/fuel mixture into the engine and exhaust out. 

The timing belt connects the crankshaft and camshafts to keep them synchronized and in rhythm, which is necessary for the engine to run. The belt has ridges, or “teeth,” that grip the crankshaft timing gear and camshaft timing gear and a tensioner is in place to keep the belt taut to prevent slips or skips in how the gears catch the teeth. Smooth, even, and consistent motion is crucial to keeping the synchronization in place, which, in turn, is necessary to keep the engine running. 

When Will You Need Your Audi Timing Belt Replacement?

Depending on what kind of Audi you have, your timing belt service should be scheduled at every 75,000 to 100,000 miles. Your owner’s manual, Audi dealer, or Audi repair shop can give you more specific information related to your make and model. 

However, these are only guidelines. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, these are signs the belt is going out, and you should schedule service immediately: 

• Sluggish performance or a poor reaction;

• Abrupt clicks or ticking sounds like the sound of a clock or even a ratcheting wrench; 

• Oil leaks and minimal oil pressure (As the timing belt wears out, it can cause loosening in nearby nuts and bolts. Less oil causes the belt to wear even more quickly so you definitely want to keep an eye out for this!)

• Engine won’t turn over

If you pop your hood and notice your Audi’s timing belt is shiny, has cracks, or signs of wear, have it replaced immediately. If the belt snaps while the car is off, that’s a problem in that you’ll have to get the car towed to for repairs. However, if it snaps or malfunctions while you’re driving, the broken belt can bend the engine valves and cause irreparable damage to your engine. 

Cost of an Audi Timing Belt Replacement

The cost to replace your timing belt varies depending on the make and model of your Audi, and if it’s a simple replacement before it breaks, this will be significantly less expensive and easier to repair than if it broke while you were driving and it damaged the engine.  

Schedule Maintenance with our Audi Repair Shop in Raleigh

The timing belt is not something you can ignore. If you have over 75,000 miles on your car or you pop the hood and see wear on the belt, schedule service at our import repair shop in Raleigh. We’ll take a close look at the belt, engine, and nearby parts to ensure everything is in proper working order and provide you with reliable service that includes a two-year/24,000 mile warranty so you can feel confident in the quality repairs you receive. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, reach out to us today at [phone] or fill out our contact form.

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