Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal

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Tue 14 Jun 2016 18:20
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - Steveieb

Had the cam belt renewed at 75 K .

Has anyone known the belts to fail on this engine and at what mileage ?

Understand the whole front of the car has to be removed to achieve the replacement. The car is a 2003 .

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Tue 14 Jun 2016 19:44
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - RobJP

What's probably more likely to happen is that the waterpump (which is also run off the cambelt) seizes. That then throws off the cambelt, and that kills the engine. And yes, it's well known to happen.

If it's due, get it changed. Yes, it's a pain to do. But your car being scrap is probably more of a pain.

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Tue 14 Jun 2016 19:58
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - Steveieb

Thaks Rob. The car has now covered 128K and the belt was last changed in 2008

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Tue 14 Jun 2016 20:07
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - RobJP

If you get it done, then make sure you get the cambelt, waterpump and tensioners / rollers ALL changed. The extra cost is minimal, and if you're doing a job, then might as well do it right.

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Tue 14 Jun 2016 21:05
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - corax

Pretty sure that the removing the front section on the Audi A4 or A6 is not as difficult as you might think, and it then gives very good access.

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Wed 15 Jun 2016 20:42
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - Steveieb

Thanks for your advice.

Have you any idea whether the air con radiator and main radiator has to be removed ?And how long it will take ?

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Wed 15 Jun 2016 21:03
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - corax

The main radiator has to be drained but then the whole front section can be pulled forward for access.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtBCmic2bWY

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Thu 16 Jun 2016 08:18
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - beershark
I've got a V8 S4 and the whole b***** engine has to come out at a cost of several grand so it could be worse !
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Thu 16 Jun 2016 12:34
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - slkfanboy

I seam to remember that these engines are not easy to change the Cam belt as the locking pins dont fit in tightly, allow slight movement which can cause timing issues. A VW dealer would normally check the timing after replacing the belt and so not being an issues for them. Make sure any Indy has the correct kit.

So it would water pump, tensioners and belt to be safe.

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Thu 16 Jun 2016 16:33
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - John F

If the cambelt was good quality and has done only 53,000m and everything sounds smooth and sweet, don't mend it! This site is full of sad stories of problems arising shortly after cautious over-maintenance.

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Fri 17 Jun 2016 10:13
Audi A4 1.9 TDI PD - Cam belt renewal - Steveieb
Thank you to you all for such a comprehensive reply. The u tube video was able to tell me what an extensive job is entailed an a car of 13 years old what can go wrong if things are disturbed..
Final word of thanks to John F for his parting shot which I am going with.
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