JCP1990S4

It has been 4 1/2 years 24K miles since I changed my timing belt. Should I look at changing the belt again soon? Or should I be OK since its so low of miles?

Landseer

I'm pulling the PS inspection cover and looking at them on the 32V cars pretty often.

Not sure when I'd replace the belt, though, to (not) directly answer your question.

Joe '87 S4

I was in the same boat. I had the tension checked periodically and it never changed after the first retension. Finally had the belt and everything done this February after 25K miles and almost 7 years. I just felt it was time to freshen everything up.

jcorenman

I'm going to guess that this is a '90 S4, right? That makes it a tough question to answer, because the penalty is high if something goes wrong (as I'm sure you know, the 32v's are interference engines and valves get bent when the cams stop turning). So the best you can do is find out what others would do in your situation, and then make your own decision.

If it were my car, and I had done the previous job myself or knew that it had been done properly, then I would be happy ignoring it for the first 3-4 years then pulling the two upper belt-covers and having a careful look every 6-12 months and 5-10K miles or so. If the cam sprockets were fresh (i.e. coating intact, no shiny spots) then I would recheck at 12 mo or 10K miles. If the sprockets are getting worn (shiny areas on top of the teeth) but still smooth (no sharp edges) then I would recheck more often. Any signs of sharp edges indicates new belt and sprockets.

I also take a very careful look at the edges of the belt, any "furriness" or signs of wear on the edges means that the tracking is off-- the tension pulley or an idler is not running true which must be fixed.

I fit a PKsn'r to both of our cars so tension is not an issue, I just give it a visual check when checking the belt. With a factory tensioner I would check tension at the same time as a belt check, and take any change in tension as another indication that it was time to change the belt.

Anyway, those are my thoughts, YMMV, and objects in the mirror are behind you.

AO

I'll echo Jim's words. At this point, it's at least due for a through inspection. But if everything looks good, you should be good for another year or two. I would draw the line at 6 years - not sure why, but it seems to be the prescribed group think.

I think the real question is do you replace the water pump? If you're doing the work yourself, I say no. If you're paying someone to do it for you, then yes. Purely for economic reasons - oh and plus the litney of WP failure stories.