When does a timing belt need to be replaced on 2003 Audi A4?

I have a 2003 Audi A4 with 75K miles on it. The dealer is pushing to have the timing belt replaced, but it isn't recommended in the user manual until 105K miles. I have seen a lot of problems with premature breakage on the late 90s models. Has this problem been fixed or is it still an issue? I am driving from OK to Alaska in January and really don't want to have it break driving through Canada....


Thanks!|||To be safe, I'd go ahead and get the timing belt replaced in the next month or two. Yes, the manual may say 105K as the replacement interval, but sometimes they go out around 90K. You'll find owners who will replace the TB at 70-80K as a precautionary measure.





In any case, I would get it replaced before you go on any cross country drive. It's not cheap to do (around $1000 - most of that is labor) but compared with a belt breakage and the resultant damage, it's well worth it. Be sure also to replace the water pump at the same time as well as the ancillary equipment such as tensioner, pulley, etc.|||I have a 2004 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro and my mechanic recommended that I do it at 76K miles. He said at the same time, I should replace the water pump and serpentine belt. So I did. Timing Belt $77, Water Pump $131, Serpentine belt, $48, Antifreeze $20. Labor $260.00.

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|||You didn't mention what motor you had.





The 1.8T motors around 1997ish had timing belt tensioner that seized early...like at 75,000 miles.





The 1999s with 2.8 motors have a TSB out that says to replace it at 75,000 miles.





Too early to tell about the newer models but to be on the safe side, replace it every 5-6 years or 90,000 miles. Also, make sure you do the entire package...timing belt, tensioners, rollers, water pump, etc.|||Tiger get the belt changed the correct mileage for changing is 70,000 miles or 3 years.Own and work on Audi in uk i change my belts at 50,000m its a very large bill if it breaks.Have a safe journey.|||70,000 miles, the recomended milage is 105k for some models but i would not wait that long i would have it done between 65-75K miles. if you dont get it done and it breaks you dont want to see the bill. i have mine done at 70K and 140K and then i sell before 210 (usualy around 180K) Look for a good independant mechanic that works on German sedans and it will be cheaper than the dealership i just had mine done with waterpump and all the tesioners and pullys for less than $500.|||60K miles!





This one breaks and you pretty much buy and engine!!!!!!!





I have seen them snap at 63K miles so hurry please





ASE Cert Auto Tech, 92 GTI 16V 2.0L|||105k is when they are due to be changed, i usually change them after 5 years or when the car reaches the replacement mileage, if you feel uncomfortable have it replaced, but you should be ok if you dont