davepl

Because I'm a "car guy", a lady was asking me about the $7000 quote for labor on her 2012 Audi A4 timing belt.

I figure there's no way that's right unless it's an interference design, but can't find an answer.

Can anyone point me at a firm answer to whether the 2012 A4 is an interference design or not? Unless it's dragged cam through the valvegear, I just can't see it!

Yukon Corleone

That’s way too high for that. Probably more repairs that just a belt. I don’t know of anyone spending that much.

davepl

Thanks--- I just wish I could find confirmaton on whether THIS motor is interference or not.

Yukon Corleone

My friends Mom is having the belts replaced on here 2002 Audi now he said it cost $1100. He also said Audi stopped using timing belts around 2004 or 2005. Since she has a 2012 A4 I am assuming according to him it does not have a timing belt. My friend has an A4 and A6 but not sure what year.

I don’t know what an “interference” design is but I am wondering about that.

C6_Racer_X

Yes, it's an interference engine.

If she has a broken belt, she wants to price labor for R&R for the head with a new timing belt and a new water pump. Buy new belt and pump, but find a similar (or lower) mileage used head. Check http://car-part.com/ for sources for used heads. That will be far more cost effective than repairing the damage from a broken belt.

Also, if it's the 2.0L turbo, some of those engines had a known faulty intake manifold. I'm not sure if the A4's had that issue or not. If it did, this is a good time to put a fresh (redesigned) intake manifold on it as well. <$200 for the new designed manifold and basically no labor as it has to come off to replace the head.