In most cases it is not the timing belt that fails first but one of the accessories like the waterpump with plastic impeller or the tensioner that locks up and in turn causes the failure of the timing belt.

So even thou your timing belt looks brand new don't take any chances and get it changed around

60-65k.  Anything after that and you are sitting on a time bomb.  The warranty usually doesn't

cover engine failure due to a failed timing belt since it is a regular service maintanance item like brake pads or clutch which are also not covered.  

All of the above, including driving style, etc...

I have said this a million times... do NOT have this done at a dealership if its not going to be free, its a fairly standard replacement and can be done by a reputable Audi Specialist:



Buy the timing belt kit from ecstuning.com:

http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?make=Audi&engine=225HP&model=TT%20MKI&submodel=Quattro&category=Maintenance&subcategory=Engine


The Standard 1.8t timing belt kit is $161.82 and includes (according to ECS):

OEM timing belt
OE tensioner Roller made
OE tensioner assembly
OE Idler roller (comes on the tensioner assembly)

The ones you are seeing for $250-$400 are kits ("ultimate") that include much more than just the timing belt, tensioner and roller. They are good for upgrading some other components and usually include:

Timing belt made by Continental
Tensioner Roller made by NTN-Japan
Tensioner assembly made by NTN-Japan
Idler roller (comes on the tensioner assembly)
Hepu water pump with metal impeller
Conti-Tech accessory drive belt
Behr thermostat
Thermostat Housing
ECS/OEM motor mount bolt kit
Camshaft seal
Crankshaft seal

and can even include upgraded, lightened mass pulleys.


If you are looking to just do your timing belt, go with the standard, you may also want to order a water pump, since this is usually changed with the timing belt service. You'll want to make sure you have the belt, tensioners and waterpump changed. What I would recommend is calling the service dept of a dealer (or have your free inspection done) and then write down what they would replace and then ordering the standard kit and those items from ECS.

...then have the install done at a reputable independent shop (~$550-650). That will save you tons over the dealer's ~$1500-1800 estimates. ( You can even do it yourself, its not too tough.


Jack

Most of the time it isn't the timing belt that actually fails but some other part of the car like the Tensioner or the Waterpump which fails and in turn tear up the timing belt and renders your car useless.  Timing belt failures are not covered under warrenty since it is a normal wear item. 

The Waterpump has a Plastic Impeller which from age and heat is prone to failure.  An aftermarket waterpump will have a Metal impeller which isn't prone to this failure.   So don't be fooled.  Just because your timing belt looks fine it doesn't mean the rest of the system is. 

Audi changed their tune and recommends Timing belt change now at 75k Miles. 

Hi Pamela

What a great story have you ever thought about writing a book ?

With regards to the brake light - it shouldn't be a problem for any mechanic to replace as I had to get one replaced last week while I waited (he was a friend of mine) but they will also have to reset the error code on the ECU as a blown brake light puts the Quattro system into 'limp mode' so I'm told ....

As for a TT Badge - http://www.thettshop.com/ should be able to sort you out for $20 or $30 which your 'roadside mechanic' should be able to do as I replaced mine myself no worries ...

Hope the information helps and let me know when you write the book, I'll buy one ....

Joe

Dublin Ireland

:0)

Previously Pamela Morse wrote:

This is a sore subject for me! I took my 2003 TT with 33,680 miles on it in for a regular oil change at the dealer in October 2008. Chick behind the counter (I'm a chick, so I get to say that) tells me, “There is a recall order to do an inspection of the timing belt." I kinda knew something about this from junky-looking mail I'd gotten, but there was way bigger stuff going on in my life at the time: Bad divorce from evil abusive guy who stole my inheritance and my dignity, and my eldest son (with nice-guy first husband) had recently been killed in action in Afghanistan.

.  Except now I have to search the site some more to see if I can change my own brake light (I've got the bulb) and if anyone else has lost or replaced one of the Ts in their TT emblem on the back.