Is changing a cambelt on an Audi A4 1.8 a novice job

[Vince70]

In about 3 months I will have a bit of free time and was wondering how easy it is to do a cambelt on a Audi A4 1.8 engine..

 

I know that the front of the car has to come off to do the job which I can handle no problem but I've never had to change a belt before.

 

Obviously I will need to buy a tensioner and water pump to do the job properly but will I need to buy any kind of specialist tools such as locking tools etc and does the car need to be on ramps.

 

The time scale isn't going to be too much of a issue as I can just tax my other car for a month which is the same car (it also needs a belt sometime sooner rather than later) but if it's going to need to many specialist bits and pieces to do the job then obviously I will take it to a garage to get done.

[EssDeeWon]

Have you got any quotes from garages yet? I am assuming £300+ all in?

 

And No, I wouldn't say this is a novice job.

[Vince70]

I haven't got any quotes yet but if it's £300 then I would rather pay someone to do it.

[forddeliveryboy]

My VW man reckons it's a two, maybe two and a half hour job. But he works on nothing else.

[Sigmund Fraud]

Do you have a copy of ElsaWin ? If not, get one and read the relevant chapter. You can then make an informed decision on whether the job is within your abilities or not.

 

Timing belts are not rocket science, but access can be poor (probably not too bad in the A4 due to the longitudinal engine) and previous bodgery can have you fighting with overtightened and/or rounded bolts for hours.

 

If you do decide to go ahead, keep in mind that many manufacturers change belt/tensioner/water pump designs every few months, for no other reason than to confuse unsuspecting DIYers. Make sure you have the correct parts before you take everything apart ! Also, if there are locking tools for your engine, buy them ! They're worth their weight in gold !

[forddeliveryboy]

Was it philbusmo who did Renault V6 belts as his first timing belt job recently? Nothing could be easier than a 4-pot Audi, therefore.