Audi A4 2.0TDI Cambelt and water pump cost

fred990

fred246 wrote: »

An engine support beam? Can't you just balance the engine on a block of wood. That's what I do when I am removing the engine mountings.

Hmmm not too sure that would be my first choice, I appreciate plenty of people do, maybe I will if all else fails. It's the thought that the engine/gearbox weight would be reliant on the one mount and balancing on something.
With the beam it will be attached to the engine lifting eyes and allow precise adjustment for removal/fitment of the bolts. Plus I get a new gadget/tool to play with......:)

motorguy

fred990 wrote: »

Hmmm not too sure that would be my first choice, I appreciate plenty of people do, maybe I will if all else fails. It's the thought that the engine/gearbox weight would be reliant on the one mount and balancing on something.
With the beam it will be attached to the engine lifting eyes and allow precise adjustment for removal/fitment of the bolts. Plus I get a new gadget/tool to play with......:)

And there we go - you two are advocating people take on doing this themselves yet here is another post (your second in a row) that demonstrate its not just as simple as you are suggesting, and requires extra background knowledge.

I guess though Joe Average taking it on themselves on your recommendation can just find all this stuff out the hard way, eh?

That'll end well for them. :eek:

Still, its an anonymous internet forum for you so its not like you have to stand over the consequences for people.

fred246

I have a relative who bought a beautiful new car. When it was about 6 years old he took it to the main dealers for a new cambelt. The day after it failed and the engine was trashed. It had been worth about £6K and he sold it for £500. The main dealer explained that he had asked for a new cambelt but hadn't asked for a new tensioner. It was the tensioner that had failed so they weren't liable. I think I'd have had them in court be he didn't take it any further. It did take a lot of consideration but my final conclusion was that I trust myself a lot more than a mechanic. If you can't do it yourself then breaking down jobs into parts and labour often brings savings. "New cambelt £400.""So the parts are £80. Labour £320. 4 Hours so £80 an hour labour?""OK for you we'll do it for £280 mate." It can be done on a drive by a mobile mechanic. How much do they charge per hour? £50 would seem reasonable to me.

motorguy

fred246 wrote: »

I have a relative who bought a beautiful new car. When it was about 6 years old he took it to the main dealers for a new cambelt. The day after it failed and the engine was trashed. It had been worth about £6K and he sold it for £500. The main dealer explained that he had asked for a new cambelt but hadn't asked for a new tensioner. It was the tensioner that had failed so they weren't liable.

Made up nonsense to back up your "view" of the world.

fred246

I wasn't born mistrusting mechanics. It's my experiences that have led me to be the person I am today.

motorguy

fred246 wrote: »

I wasn't born mistrusting mechanics. It's my experiences that have led me to be the person I am today.

Hmmm.

Conversely, I suspect, given your posting history, attitude to everything and outlook on life, being the person you are has led you to mistrusting mechanics.

Your "i know best and my way is the only way" attitude seems to override everything else.

fred990

ryanm8655 wrote: »

.....a family member recommended a local
mechanic who is brilliant, he’s quoted £340 and will pick the car up and drop it back. So have decided to go with him. He used to be a mobile mechanic but now has his own premises as he gets so much work.

I wonder if (when he was mobile) he would have done the job from just removal of the belt/pump/tensioner and then fitting the new items? Most of the labour on these VAG platforms is removing and refitting the plastics/trims, definitely not challenging. A torx driver and 10mm socket = job done, could save a fair chunk of money by doing this if the mobile mechanic agreed to doing the 'techie' bit?