timming belt kit
 

hey guys, I looking for a timming belt kit for my audi 2001 a4 1.8tq should i go dealer or aftermarket.

Re: timming belt kit
 

I personally don't go to the dealer unless you have the cash,....They may sell lube, but they sure as hell don't use any when they bend you over.
Check with Auto value or Parts Source first.

Re: timming belt kit
 

i was thinking of getting a kit from ecs tuning when i plan to do mine, and then goto a local tuner shop instead of a dealer, but we will see. I bet it would save a bit of money and i think the lighweight pulley thing will help a bit with performance. Anyone else have thoughts on this

Notes :: ECS Tuning Ultimate 1.8T Timing Belt Kit- - <b>AEB & ATW</b> Engine Codes Only With <b>Black</b> ECS Crank Pulley

Re: timming belt kit
 

Their kit is good. The only thing you need to watch out for is most shops don't like people bringing in their own parts. There is no warranty on the parts you bring in and a shop will not work with you if one of the parts do fail. If you buy the parts from the shop, it might be a little more, but if something happens down the line related to the timing belt, the shop will probably fix it for free or at least work with you on lowering your cost of repair. Also, a lot of shops will charge you more labour for bringing in your own parts.

Re: timming belt kit
 

hmm good point, i never thought of that...i know there is a DIY on the audizine forumn, but this would probably not be very easy for me is i can sometimes be mechanically inclined...i will prolly head to a few tuner shops and see what they suggest, offer for parts and prices...if they are siilar to the dealer i will prolly just go there, just to keep my maintenance history all in one area

Re: timming belt kit
 

I recently did the DIY, using an ECS kit. It took about 7 hours (3 evenings over a weekend) but was well worth the time. I wouldn't rate myself an expert but did a lot of reading and searching around before I got started, so I knew what I was doing before I did it.

The issue with ECS is the UPS brokerage charge. I got someone to bring it to me from the US but otherwise the extra $60 can make it not such a super deal. Also my kit came w/2 seals that I didn't replace so you might consider not doing those unless you have an obvious leak (or PM me and I can sell you mine!). But anyway: see if you can go with a Canadian parts source if at all possible. You need the serpentine and timing belts, timing pulley and tensioner, water pump and 4 6mm allen screws that hold the dampner pulley in place. Oh and 2 1.5 l bottles of antifreeze + 3 l of distilled water.

Re: timming belt kit
 

I got mine from Autopartsonlinecanada.com. Its a continental kit. good price, free shipping over $75.

Re: timming belt kit
 

x2 on the autoparts online site. I thought it went under - it was off line last time I looked and i'm glad it's back in business.

One piece of advice: spend the extra $5 and get the water pump with a metal impeller.

Re: timming belt kit
 

what the difference between the two kits for my car some sites say fit all 1.8t and some says one kit for 1.8t vin # up to xxxxx and an other for vin# xxxx and up.

Re: timming belt kit
 

I did mine at 94,000 Km . bought the oem kit from the dealer (he did give me a small discount would you believe) and had Independent in Scarborough to install. (did a good job fair price)

I wanted to be sure about parts in case it blew up ....I could show the reciept (still some warrenty left on the car)

but next time I will ask the mechanic to order oem for me because he probably gets a discount anyway and the price would be a wash....he would also give me a better warranty if he buys the parts (ie not only installation warranty but parts as well)