Which timing belt kit to buy?

[sbp82290]

I am brand new to Audi's and changing timing belts. It looks like ECS tuning is a sponsor so, are they where everyone purchase their kits? Or does anyone recommend a kit from another site?

I have found several right-ups about changing it but, I haven't seen anyone talk about any special tools to remove/replace the timing belt and tensioner. Is there any tool that would make it easier? Do they make a jig that holds all the pulleys in place while you change the belt?

thanks in advance!

[xhackerekx]

http://www.blauparts.com/

[texasboy21]

The content is much more important than who it is purchased from. There is a current thread regarding one of the kit ECS sells. They are using an inferior Geba brand water pump that is failing prematurely. I say go with all OEM parts.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

use ECS as a reference for part numbers and buy oem parts

[asinclado]

I got the one from blau parts and water pump failed after 8 months. go OEM.

[87supraman]

I'm planning on going with the europaparts kit.

[Furly]

i got mine from integrated engineering, it came with my rod install kit :)
the belt is a continental brand , have to double check the brand of the water pump.

often times, companies like ECS and others, try to make package kits with everything needed, and they use cheaper parts to save you money. but no corners should be cut on such critical items for our engines.

[DiertyEuroSpec]

I got the one from blau parts and water pump failed after 8 months. go OEM.

Wow I was under the impression Blauparts was an OE supplier. They offer the Graf water pump... any other feedback on these as this was the kit I was planning on going with to replace my ECS kit.

[PreciseD]

Just in case anyone wanted to know I just confirmed with IE that they are using Hepu water pumps.

[sbp82290]

The kit I got from Blauparts has a Graf waterpump and a Gates belt. But, the tensioner has China stamped on it. I called them about it and they said that it was made in China but made to Audi specs. They also said that a lot of car companies are having parts made in China and they even the parts from the dealership have China stamped on them. Anyone know if this is true?

[diagnosticator]

The kit I got from Blauparts has a Graf waterpump and a Gates belt. But, the tensioner has China stamped on it. I called them about it and they said that it was made in China but made to Audi specs. They also said that a lot of car companies are having parts made in China and they even the parts from the dealership have China stamped on them. Anyone know if this is true?

Unless the Chinese parts are made by Audi in China or an actual Chinese Audi OEM, you don't really know what you are getting despite the claim the parts are made to Audi specs.

Gates makes or sources all of the parts needed to do a timing belt job, and the belts are the best available anywhere. The other parts are either made in the US, Mexico or Germany.

[sbp82290]

Im trying to figure out if i should just use the parts in the kit or buy oem. Blauparts wants a 20% restocking fee.

[msharifi]

Did you order "Audi A4 Timing Belt Kit - 2002-05 w/ 4 Cylinder 1.8L Engine (2003-06 Cabriolet) - Gen II - Enhanced" I'm about to order and it says Litens parts are they made in China?


Gen II BLAU® Audi A4 Timing Belt Kit For 1.8T I4 Engines
BLAU® INA Pre-assembled Base Kit Includes:
1 'INA Gates' Timing Belt
1 'Litens' Timing Belt Tensioner
1 'Litens' Timing Belt Tensioner Idler w/Bracket
1 'INA' Timing Belt Service Interval Sticker
Enhanced+ Additions:
1 'Graf' Water Pump w/ Metal Impeller and Gasket
3 Water Pump Bolts
1 'Flennor Gates' Serpentine Belt
4 Serpentine Belt Pulley Bolts
1 Viton Front Crank Seal
1 Viton Camshaft Seal
1 Thread Locking Compounds
1 Anti Seize Compound
Blauparts Detailed Step-by-Step Audi A4 1.8T Timing Belt Instructions
Numerous pages and over 30 images of detailed step-by-step guidelines, including front bumper removal.

[Willënskraft]

Intstalled the Blauparts timing belt kit back in March and it's holding up pretty good. Although, an update on their instructions with colored pictures would be great.

[blitz2190]

my blauparts kit is running fine after 40k miles so far.

[jonan]

last time i changed my belt i used the water pump with a metal impeller...failed after 30k miles and started leaking coolant...went with the OEM pump with the non-metal impeller this go around...

[Willënskraft]

last time i changed my belt i used the water pump with a metal impeller...failed after 30k miles and started leaking coolant...went with the OEM pump with the non-metal impeller this go around...

Which brand was the metal impeller and how long has the OEM holding?

[jonan]

not sure, it was the metal pump include in the MJM auto haus plus kit.

http://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=6169_6170_6187_6190_6729_91 71&info=OEM_VAG_06B109119F.AMBE.KIT3_Timing_Belt_K it_"PLUS"_Early_Models&products_id=2166

OEM been holding up strong, plus if the impeller breaks the pump will simply stop working instead of destroy my motor with metals bits and pieces..

[msharifi]

My timing belt kit when I first changed it at 80K came with GABA and only lasted 25k miles before it was changed with the Metal one. I think GABA water pump goes bad really quickly unless they have improved it. Graf or Hepa I heard great.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I'm due for another timing belt service and I will be going with a Genuine Audi water pump and the solid tensioner from IE with the B7 roller tensioner.

I've put almost 100K on the last Genuine Audi plastic impeller water pump so to me it's a no brainer to go with another one.

Jason

[WB650]

LOL I thought the recommendation was that the metal impeller was better than plastic....anyways, mine was replaced with a Graf back in January (guessing about 10k miles ago at the most) and its still fine *knock on wood*

[chris@fifteen52]

I used the Blau Parts kit at 100k and at 175 and will probably get another one next month at 250k when I change everything again.

[old guy]

I used the Blau Parts kit at 100k and at 175 and will probably get another one next month at 250k when I change everything again.

Are you using the hydraulic damper or the Litens spring loaded pulley damper?

[chris@fifteen52]

I believe the Litens

This kit

http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GH21129-1

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

LOL I thought the recommendation was that the metal impeller was better than plastic....anyways, mine was replaced with a Graf back in January (guessing about 10k miles ago at the most) and its still fine *knock on wood*

Metal impellers are good in theory, but if for whatever reason something gets lodged in the impeller it can cause it to jam up the cog that drives it. Possibly trash your engine because the belt would skip. At least if something jams up the plastic impeller it hypothetically would break apart and hopefully not cause an issue with the belt.

Your vehicle has sensors that will tell you way before your car starts to really overheat if there is insufficient coolant flow and the temp starts to rise. The dash warning light comes on as soon as the needle hits the first notch past normal. Hopefully giving you enough notice to get to the side of the road and shut it down.

It's all personal preference. I've heard good things from metal impeller water pumps as well. Some may not like the idea of plastic particles in the cooling system if the impeller breaks.

Jason

[WB650]

That makes sense, my water pump with the plastic impeller failed on me earlier this year while in a drive thru. Was able to get out and pull over just in time as it was reaching Hot. Now it's the metal one in there