Hi guys,

I have a friend who is new to the Seattle area. She has a 2005 Audi A4. She had a coolant link and took it to University Audi.

They told her it was her water pump and that she should replace the timing belt while they were in there. The car has 51k miles on it and the book says the timing belt does not need replacement until 75k. Thoughts?

She would also like the name of a couple of good mechanics in the area. She is in Fremont and at the UW during the week.

Thanks,

Trevor

 

Getting a second opinion is defiantly a good idea. I have actually come across quite a few 04-05 a4's with coolant leaks. just none leaking from the pump. The only thing that is required to check it is the audi/vw reassure tester adapter, and most shops usually require 1 hour labor to check it. They should show her where it is leaking from when it is up in the air and it is a good Idea not to inform the shop that Audi pin pointed the leak. The common places I've seen leakage on A4's is from the plastic end tanks on the radiator, and from the various plastic tubes and fitting they seem to love to use.

It is possible that the gasket did not seat properly when the engine was originally built. The reason they are recommending replacing the timing belt/roller/tensioner/waterpump is because the water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it has to come off anyways so is basically a freebee if it is in fact the water pump leaking.
I am assuming it is a 1.8t, and it calls for 5.9hrs for either the pump or doing the whole thing correctly. if it has the v6 it calls for more time at 7.3hrs. If cost is a factor I know of a shop that does a lot of Audis and other euro cars that is in downtown Seattle. Audi works on a ton of these things since timing belt replacements on them come in such low mileage and all of their engines do have the potential for valve collision if one breaks. If price isn't a factor I would get it done at the dealer. Some of the people I know at barrier could honestly do most of the work blindfolded.

Hope this helps, and feel free to pm me if you need any more info.

Waide

 

redmond european
Dave is the Audi tech and loves timing belts like kids love lego's
http://www.redmondeuropean.com/

Monty Jarvies is the owner, Justin Graham is the service adviser. Simply let justin know you are a referral from me.

 

Yes the book calls for the timing belt to be replaced at a higher mileage, but It should be replaced at about 60k for safe measures (Being an interference engine). You have to remove the timing belt in order to do the water pump. So yes, you might as well do the timing belt since you have already taken it off.

Here is a pic of the timing belt and water pump for reference.



The water pump is on the right side of the timing belt in that picture. Also, be sure that when the replacement waterpump is ordered that it has the metal impeller. Most shops (when ordering) have the option of plastic (OEM) or metal. The plastic is very prone to fail and crack due to heat cycling.

 

Yea, if they do the WP, you do the TB as well.
I would go over to Redmond Euro, they are fair, & do AWESOME work!