Audis are known for their outstanding build quality, thrilling performance, exceptional multi-media interface navigation systems, and their iconic Quattro all-wheel-drive systems. If you’re an Audi owner, you likely understand the importance of adhering to your car’s maintenance schedule in order to keep it in top working condition. Some maintenance services are quick, painless fixes, while others are in-depth, time-consuming, and costly. All Audi repairs are backed by a 24 month/24,000 mile warranty. So next time you need Audi repair in Raleigh, remember to bring your car to Triangle Imports!
What if my timing belt breaks?
Timing belt service is on the more costly and time-consuming end, and if ignored, can cause catastrophic damage to your car’s engine, leaving it unsalvageable and in need of replacement due to bent valves. Audis adopted interference engines a few decades ago like many new car manufacturers, so the engine’s pistons will smash into the valves which will warrant an entire engine replacement. Along with pistons damaging nearby valves, they have also been known to smash through oil pans. If your timing belt breaks while driving down the road, there is a chance that your vehicle will quit running altogether.
Audi Timing Belt Replacement Cost
Costs vary from scenario-to-scenario.
The overall cost of your Audi’s timing belt replacement will come down to two factors: the belt broke while driving, or if the belt was replaced before it broke.
If the vehicle’s timing belt broke while driving down the road, there is a great chance that the engine’s pistons will bust thru into the nearby valves. Along with pistons smashing into nearby valves, they have also been known to smash through oil pans. If this occurs, it is likely that you will need to replace the car’s engine entirely which is the most costly scenario.
If your Audi is nearing 60,000 miles, it is highly recommended that you have it inspected by an Audi service technician.
*Please note, it is recommended for additional repairs to be taken care of along with timing belt and pulley replacements such as cylinder head replacement, water pump replacement, engine front cover gasket replacement, head gasket replacement, and more. It is typically more cost-effective to take care of these additional services at the same time, as the engine’s compartments would not need to be dismantled more than once.
Signs of a failing timing belt
- Decreased performance
If you notice your Audi running sluggish and lethargically, your timing belt could be on its way out. Worn timing belts will slip and become misaligned, causing your intake and exhaust valves to open and close at incorrect times. Don’t lose performance due to poor maintenance and upkeep!
- Abrupt ticking sounds
Several pulleys attach your crank, camshaft, and timing belt together. A common sign that an engine isn’t receiving enough lubrication, is the sound of clicks and ticks. Audi owners have described this sound as a ratcheting wrench and a more pronounced clock clicking. The louder the sound, the more the issue has manifested. These sounds may disappear at high speeds, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your issue is fixed!
- Oil leaking
When timing belts begin to wear down, nearby nuts and bolts can loosen. This can cause pesky oil leaks that have been known to cause timing belts to wear away and fail much faster. Be sure to keep an eye out for oil spots in areas you were parked. Small oil spots can quickly turn into large ones.
- Dead engine
Your Audi will be unable to start if its timing belt is snapped completely. You may hear your vehicle’s starter motor engage, but the car will be unable to turn over completely because the timing belt is no longer connected to the camshaft and crank. If the car’s timing belt snaps while driving, major repairs and some cases, the entire engine will need to be replaced. A broken timing belt could bend the engine valves. These valves will need to be replaced which requires the engine’s head to be removed. This can become costly very quickly.
- Minimal oil pressure
When an Audi’s timing belt slips, damage to the camshafts can likely occur. Out-of-place camshafts can break apart into numerous small pieces that end of in the vehicle’s oil pan. When this occurs, oil cannot flow through the engine appropriately which causes decreased oil pressure.
- A check engine light
If you notice your vehicle displaying an illuminating check engine light, chances are it’s not running correctly and something needs to be handled by an Audi repair expert. A faulty timing belt will hinder overall performance while heightening emissions.
- Damaged timing belt
Over time, Audi’s timing belts have been known to glaze, crack, and wear unevenly before they begin to slip and fail. If your timing belt looks shinier than usual, displays signs of cracking (typically on the toothed side), or appears to be wearing unevenly, it is best to replace it before it breaks and causes additional costly damage.
Schedule Your Audi Timing Belt Service in Raleigh
Maintenance is something unavoidable when it comes to Audi ownership and we know that. If you have questions regarding the condition of your Audi’s timing belt replacement or other preventative maintenance items, we’re your one-stop Audi shop. Give us a call today at (919) 828-7900 or complete the contact form below to schedule your appointment. We also have in informative blog on Audi timing chains as well if you’d like to learn even more.
