I have a 2002 Audi A4 3.0 quattro. While driving down the highway the car lost power and the temperature light cam on. The dealer has diagnosed the problem says the water pump failed, seized up and as a result the cambelt came apart. This of course caused valve damage. Also substantial heat related damage was sustained. The dealer wants $9000 to fix the car. Has this happened to anyone? I am not sure what to do.

 

Yep, it does it when people don't change their timing belt at 80k like they are supposed to do. On average its about a 10 thousand dollar repair.

 

The car has 52000 miles on it.

 

The water pump seizure caused the cambelt to disintegrate. So replacing the cambelt was not the cause of the failure.

 

Then you can probably take a claim with audi of america, you might get the repair for free for manufacture defect if you complain hard enough. Its happened before.

 

Is that very difficult? I think I will have to. I cannot afford the repair.

 

I haven't done it myself, but from what i hear its not that hard. Find the number for AOA (audi of america) give them a call, and see what you need to do. That or just raise hell if they give you s*** The dealer recommended originally to have the timing belt changed at 105k that has since changed to 80k because of broken timing belts. Since you only have 50k then you have something to complain about.

 

Thanks for the advice!