How to Change an Audi TT Timing Belt
Always set aside the proper amount of time when working on a high end German vehicle like an Audi. Changing or replacing anything under the hood can be fraught with bumps and bangs. Not being a master mechanic, changing anything can take up a considerable amount of time.
You will need:
- Owner's manual
- Timing belt kit
- Socket and ratchet set
- Torque wrench
- Jack
- Hex bits
- Torx driver
- Allen wrenches
- Coolant
- Place the jack under the Audi TT and maneuver the car off the ground. It does not have to be high, but enough to be able to work under the hood. Another easy way to accomplish this is to buy ramps. Once the car is off the ground, take off the right front tire, pad and arch liner. After all of these are placed on a cloth instead of on the ground, pop the hood on the Audi TT.
- Make sure to remove the engine cover before proceeding. The engine should be cool enough to work on. Tip: do not work on an engine right after shutting the car off. Use drain pans to remove the coolant and the power steering fluid.
- Remove coolant reservoir and the wires. The fan belt tensioner and the crank pulley should be removed at this point. The upper timing belt is now in view and can be removed from the engine.
- Always make sure to align the timing marks at TDC or top dead center. This can be accomplished by using a socket. Checking the marks is easy once the rubber transmission cap has been removed. Mark these timing marks with a marker. The water pump also has a timing belt; this should be removed now. The TDC for this timing belt should be approximately at the 68th tooth mark. This mark can be counted on the belt.
- Make sure to install a new tension damper and add the new timing belt. After this is done, you can tighten the bolt to make sure the timing belt does not jump track. Reinstall the water pump, crank and other parts that had to be taken off before applying the new timing belt.
- Find out if the timing is correct by turning the vehicle on after replacing all the parts and covers and shutting the hood.