How often should my timing belt be replaced on my Audi a4 2004 1.8t fwd? Also when should the transmission be serviced. I am currently having no problems, and I am just trying to take preventative measures before anything happens.
The timing belt interval is technically 100,000 miles, but due to them breaking prematurely I'd do it at 80,000 or assume the vehicle has been driven 12,000 miles a year if your mileage is lower.
I've had to rebuild about 14 broken timing belt heads on 1.8 turbos in the past year, I have two at my shop right now. Maybe 4 of them ignored the interval and went over, some were as low as 70,000 miles.
Audi claims the transmission fluid is lifetime (probably to avoid being taxed by the EPA on the amount of waste created by their vehicles), I recommend every 40,000 miles unless the mileage is already over 100,000 miles then I'd probably not do it.
The reason is the friction material can start to come off the plates and is only in the fluid, once you drain the fluid you have no more friction material and the transmission can start to fail immediately.
This post contains the solution to the original quesiton, 'Audi b6 timing belt service'
Are you interested in this topic? You can view this answer for $3
Register now with Best Web Mechanic! It's free!