Cost of Timing Belt

[Brett Dikeman]

Cat ^. .^ ~ wrote:
> 
> My timing belt is about to go . . .
> 
> what do you think it would cost to have a time belt done on 
> 
> an 89 Audi 200 Turbo, NonQ, Autom ??
> 
> To have it done right by a top rate mechanic?

There's little difference between turbo/non-turbo rates; the turbo just 
means having to remove the intercooler, and that's an extra 2-3 minutes 
tops.  In general, the job isn't that hard to do right; any VW/Audi 
mechanic should be able to do it in their sleep.

There are book times- I'm not aware of what they are.  Ask the mechanic 
specifically what new parts they will install as part of the job.  A new 
idler pulley, water pump, thermostat, crank and cam seals are all par 
for the course; if the accessory belts look worn, they might be up for 
replacement too, since in particular the A/C and alternator belts are a 
royal PITA to change, and they have to come off anyway.

Much of the work falls under oppertunity and safety- if the idler or 
water pump seize, kiss the engine good bye since it is a toothed belt 
and interference engine...and the seals are very cheap considering that 
if they start to leak, you've got to pretty much do a full timing belt 
job just to get to them.

Brett
-- 
"They that give up essential liberty to obtain temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin
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