ok i have had my TT for about 2 weeks now. so far after reading these posts i see alot or should i say evryone mentioning getting the water pump/timing belt changed. whats the deal? shouldn't they hold up longer than what you guys have said? my car has the right milegde (78,000) to mabye need this done. why is it so important? i really don't have the money to do it, and my car doesn't have a warranty. am i Fucked or not? i am gettin really worried about this whole thing. i do have some money right now so if i was to do it now is the time. what do yah guys think? thanks alot
, a concerned TT owner

 

I had to replace mine right when I bought it as well. Its nota for sure thing it fail now, its just a possibility. It costs about 600-750 (including parts)or so to have it done depending on the shop and if you upgrade anything when you do it. It is expensive but its a lot cheaper than the 7000 to fix the motor if it breaks. I bought the "all inclusive 1.8T timing belt kit" off of www.dieselgeek.com

The kit was like 250 or something like that, it comes with everything you need to do it properly. The labor was 450, but I had a synthetic oil change inthe price as well since I was there and needed it done.

It comes with a steel water pump instead of the chincy plastic impellered OEM.

 

Which don't you have the money for, the replacement kit, or the $5000 engine rebuild when the belt tensioner fails?

 

I think if you're worried about $$ and the repairs maintence then you probably shouldn't have bought a Euro Sportscar.

Get the timing belt done asap.

 

I've heard enough stories on here to feel extremely motivated to have mine replaced as well.

Like you I bought my car with 78,000 miles (odd huh?) Anyways I'm at 81,000 miles now. (Just 2 months of driving...whoa!) anyways I'm getting mine done next month when I get my bonus. If you buy the kit online and take it to a mechanic that isn't the dealer you might be able to get everything done for between $250 (do it yourself) and $600 (Off brand mechanic). My Audi dealership with parts and labor quoted me $1000 ....

I could do it myself ...but im way to lazy... just find a good solid euro mechanic in your area that is reasonable. These belts are known for breaking between 85,000 miles and 105,000 miles ...

I run a CHIP ..and I drive hard...so for me...its a absolute must!


Good luck!

 

Personally, I would research in the maintenance manual, or the carfax report, or the dealer you bought it from, or whoever has any amount of helpful information about the history of the car, and find out if the belt was changed. No point in paying to do something over that the previous owner did as well (such as paying a bunch of money for the 40k mile checkup when it had already been done -- doh! []). If it hasn't been done, then no, at the moment you aren't "****ed", but when the belt fails and your engine falls apart, you will be.