Hey everyone,

I'm back in the world of Audi after buying a 2003 3.0quattro yesterday. The only point of concern I have is with the timing belt (of course).

The guy claimed that the first owner replaced it before he bought it - but didn't have the records for the job. He bought the car at 80k and it now has 137k - so if the job was done around 70 then the car should be almost getting to the point of needing another replacement. If the job was never done, it is long overdue for one!

I would really appreciate it if you guys could spare a minute to take a quick look at the pictures I've attached of the timing belt. If you look closely and zoom in - you can see tiny cracks developing. Do I need to replace it ASAP? or is this normal for a belt with 60k on it?

Thanks!

Timing belt pics - Imgur

 

You may want to check out this thread: Another timing belt picture thread.

Exactly the same as your belt. You should consider changing that ASAP. Better safe than sorry in my opinion. Either way you look at it, you have at least about 70k on that belt, which is the normal service interval for a timing belt.

 

I wouldn't want to trash what I just bought. I'd get it done asap.

My experience: I bought a 03 A4 1.8T manual with 87k on it and before I could get to the timing belt it was at 93k. At that time it was like your pictures but worse. Each tooth had pronounced split on the backside. I recently did the timing belt at just under 160k so closer to 60k miles and the belt looked almost new but I needed to do the waterpump.

If you have an automatic the drivetrain it doesn't hit as hard on the timing belt so the cracks would not be as pronounced. If its a manual you (and previous owners) have probably taken the Rs a little higher and stressed it more. If this is an automatic tranny I would be very concerned. I did a timing belt on a 1.8T Passat automatic and at over 100k it did not have any cracks in it.

And I'll admit I don't have experience with the 3.0T vs the 1.8T so these comments might be moot.

Bottom line is this:

If its the original belt, it looks great for 137k miles. Do not pass GO, go directly to shop and difuse the time bomb you are driving.

If its the newer belt as the guy claims with only 60k on it, it looks like hell. schedule the job in the next couple tanks of gas. Worst case you are in the window to have it done anyway and with it looking like that, don't hesitate.

If you can wrench on your own I would suggest looking at Blauparts.com. They have nice kits and decent prices for timing belts and everything to go with them.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the replies. I've ordered the enhanced kit from Blauparts and the tool kit, although I'm getting a bet worried about the quality of Blauparts parts, I've read people complaining about premature failures but other people saying everything is fine.

 

these tiny cracks will ultimately develop into large ones especially in case the car is driven at high speeds too often. so i suggest you to change it. a cracked serpentine belt will also cause the alternator pulley to wear.