2001 Audi TT Question Timing Belt

PCHRISTY6

MEMBER
2001 AUDI TT
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
102,000 MILES

Hello,

My 2001 Audi TT has 102,000 miles on it, so I had the timing belt replaced last month since it was recommended that I replace it before 105,000 miles. The repair was done at a local mechanic shop. Last week, I brought my car in to the dealer to have an unrelated sensor replaced. During this visit, the dealer performed a safety recall check of the timing belt since they were unaware that it had been replaced last month. The dealer reported that the timing belt looked frayed around the edges and was loose.

After hearing this I brought the car back to the mechanic who replaced the timing belt. He checked it for me and said that it looked brand new like the day he installed it. He also said that it was not loose and didn't understand how it could be loose since there is a tensioner (?) That would prevent it from becoming loose. I called the Audi dealer back and they suggested I bring the car back to them and their shop foreman would show me the timing belt so I could see for myself. I'm not sure who to trust in this situation? When I bring the car back to the dealer how will I know what to look for? Can you give me some tips on how I can confirm if the timing belt is indeed new and there is no fraying?

I'm very concerned about this situation, because years ago on a previous car with a previous mechanic, I had my clutch replaced, and found out months later that he never even replaced the clutch. He pocketed the money and just told me that he replaced it. So I'm afraid this is a repeat situation- if that's the case, I don't want my timing belt to snap and cause engine damage, and I want my money back!

I would appreciate your advice!

1 Reply

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

Perry Mason is my nickname given to me for solving so many cases, I think I will take your case on, first of all let's examine the facts;
1. You took it to a shop and had the timing belt changed;
2. I'm sure their work is guaranteed;
3. You took it to the dealer for an unrelated issue;
4. They stated "a safety recall check of the timing belt" which they performed;
5. Their results were "The dealer reported that the timing belt looked frayed around the edges and was loose."
Now let's examine the circumstantial evidence;
1. The dealer was unaware "that it (the timing belt) had been replaced last month;
2. The owner of the vehicle (that's you) took it back to the original mechanic;
3. They stated "He checked it for me and said that it looked brand new like the day he installed it. He also said that it was not loose and didn't understand how it could be loose since there is a tensioner (?)"
Now let's examine the conflict of interest;
The first error you committed was;
1. You did not trust your new mechanic;
2. You believed what the dealer told you, without examining the timing belt, or lacking sufficient knowledge to know what to look at;
3. You took your car back to an interested party, who was going to defend his position, ( considering he already had your money);
4. You've failed to recover from your original mechanic the parts that he had replaced!
5. You should have taken the car to a third independent mechanic, it you had any doubt;
Your failure to specifically perform correctly, has caused this burden upon you, and your former experience (because years ago on a previous car with a previous mechanic), you have still not learned anything, but it may not be too late, take your car to a different shop have them examine the timing belt, and give you their opinion, do not tell them Under any circumstances! What has happened, just ask them if your timing belt needs replaced. I hope this helps you out, I had to get drunk to write this, you owe me a 12 pack, just kidding.