Ian S

"Tony" <tonyjnospam@nospamvisi.com> wrote in message
news:11sj1g8hlturoae@corp.supernews.com...
> Forgot to mention in the last post:
>
> ECS Kit $254 + shipping.
>
> I have no affiliation with ECS but have bought from them and I am happy
with
> their support.
>
> Also, I would not attempt this without a shop manual, a friend who is
mechanical
> and familiar with Audis and a case of your favorite adult beverage.

Just don't start into the adult beverage too early. I bought both the
Haynes and Bentley manuals when I was seriously thinking about doing it
myself. Plus I have a decent tool set and experience in rebuilding various
and sundry car systems years ago when I was a poor grad student. Ultimately,
I decided it was not worth my time, effort, and aggravation.

>
> I wouldn't worry about the $160 disparity in parts costs. That much gets
lost in
> rounding errors and is made up for many times over if your mechanic is a
> competent Audi technician by getting the job done correctly.

As a businessman running my own small manufacturing operation, I mark up
both labor and materials and don't begrudge a mechanic doing the same.

Ian S

"Tony" <tonyjnospam@nospamvisi.com> wrote in message
news:11sj1g8hlturoae@corp.supernews.com...
> Forgot to mention in the last post:
>
> ECS Kit $254 + shipping.
>
> I have no affiliation with ECS but have bought from them and I am happy
with
> their support.
>
> Also, I would not attempt this without a shop manual, a friend who is
mechanical
> and familiar with Audis and a case of your favorite adult beverage.

Just don't start into the adult beverage too early. I bought both the
Haynes and Bentley manuals when I was seriously thinking about doing it
myself. Plus I have a decent tool set and experience in rebuilding various
and sundry car systems years ago when I was a poor grad student. Ultimately,
I decided it was not worth my time, effort, and aggravation.

>
> I wouldn't worry about the $160 disparity in parts costs. That much gets
lost in
> rounding errors and is made up for many times over if your mechanic is a
> competent Audi technician by getting the job done correctly.

As a businessman running my own small manufacturing operation, I mark up
both labor and materials and don't begrudge a mechanic doing the same.

Ronny

<samvit@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1137264496.736621.71860@g47g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hello folks. I need a new water pump for my 1998 Audi A4 (V6, 2.8
> liter, 06/98 manufacture date). It has 84,000 miles on it. I was
> referred to a mechanic who specializes in Audis. Here is the repair
> estimate that he provided:
>
> Parts: tensioner & timing belt kit - $350.00
> water pump - $125.00
> serpentine belt - $35.00
> Labor: $460.00
>
> TOTAL = $970.00 plus tax
>
> He said that we could go cheaper by replacing only the water pump, but
> he highly recommends getting the other parts replaced because there is
> a good chance they'll break down within another 10,000 miles or so.
> Would you say that this is a fair price or am I paying too much? Many
> thanks for any thoughts you have.
>

Don't forget the thermostat, that also needs changing at the same time..

Ronny

<samvit@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1137264496.736621.71860@g47g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hello folks. I need a new water pump for my 1998 Audi A4 (V6, 2.8
> liter, 06/98 manufacture date). It has 84,000 miles on it. I was
> referred to a mechanic who specializes in Audis. Here is the repair
> estimate that he provided:
>
> Parts: tensioner & timing belt kit - $350.00
> water pump - $125.00
> serpentine belt - $35.00
> Labor: $460.00
>
> TOTAL = $970.00 plus tax
>
> He said that we could go cheaper by replacing only the water pump, but
> he highly recommends getting the other parts replaced because there is
> a good chance they'll break down within another 10,000 miles or so.
> Would you say that this is a fair price or am I paying too much? Many
> thanks for any thoughts you have.
>

Don't forget the thermostat, that also needs changing at the same time..

Ronny

<samvit@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1137264496.736621.71860@g47g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hello folks. I need a new water pump for my 1998 Audi A4 (V6, 2.8
> liter, 06/98 manufacture date). It has 84,000 miles on it. I was
> referred to a mechanic who specializes in Audis. Here is the repair
> estimate that he provided:
>
> Parts: tensioner & timing belt kit - $350.00
> water pump - $125.00
> serpentine belt - $35.00
> Labor: $460.00
>
> TOTAL = $970.00 plus tax
>
> He said that we could go cheaper by replacing only the water pump, but
> he highly recommends getting the other parts replaced because there is
> a good chance they'll break down within another 10,000 miles or so.
> Would you say that this is a fair price or am I paying too much? Many
> thanks for any thoughts you have.
>

Don't forget the thermostat, that also needs changing at the same time..

KLS

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 19:17:07 -0700, "Ian S" <iws51remove@***.net>
wrote:

>As a businessman running my own small manufacturing operation, I mark up
>both labor and materials and don't begrudge a mechanic doing the same.

You are a very wise man, one after my own heart. May your cars always
be reasonable to fix and run well. Mine have been, with this very
same philosophy.

KLS

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 19:17:07 -0700, "Ian S" <iws51remove@***.net>
wrote:

>As a businessman running my own small manufacturing operation, I mark up
>both labor and materials and don't begrudge a mechanic doing the same.

You are a very wise man, one after my own heart. May your cars always
be reasonable to fix and run well. Mine have been, with this very
same philosophy.

KLS

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 19:17:07 -0700, "Ian S" <iws51remove@***.net>
wrote:

>As a businessman running my own small manufacturing operation, I mark up
>both labor and materials and don't begrudge a mechanic doing the same.

You are a very wise man, one after my own heart. May your cars always
be reasonable to fix and run well. Mine have been, with this very
same philosophy.