A6 timing belt

[john at westcoastgarage.net]

David Giannandrea wrote:
> I'm thinking of buying my buddy's 1997 A6. I'm pretty sure it will need a
> timing belt. It's the V-6.
>
> So do I need any other special tool besides the crank counter-hold? I've got
> everything else (sockets, pin wrenches, big torquers).
>
> Is there a procedure out there somewhere?
>
> David
>
>
>   
The Bentley manual gives a good description of the procedure, and you 
really should have that it if you're gonna own this car.  Besides the 
crankshaft holding pin (note: it's a pin, not the counter-hold 
wrench/bar the I5s use),  you'll need the camshaft holding bar (note 2: 
there are 2 different bars, one for early cars, one for later ones).  
The cams aren't keyed to the gears, and the fixture is used to set 
everything in place while you replace the belt.  Plan on the timing belt 
kit, some oil seals, a serpentine belt, and the serpentine belt 
tensioner  IIRC, and it's been a while, much of the nose comes pretty 
easily and there's good access once that's accomplished.  In closing, 
I'm sure there's a procedure out there somewhere on the web.  Read it 
and follow it, because it may not be quite like you might think! 

John