Stronger Timing Belts? Thanks Mr. Rictus

[Mr. Rictus]

It's not really the belts that fail on these motors (although it does happen). The bolts that hold the various rollers and tensioners in place can shear off.

[MaxRS6]

It's not really the belts that fail on these motors (although it does happen). The bolts that hold the various rollers and tensioners in place can shear off.

The below was my bolt shear fun adventure...Fortunately- turned out okay.

http://www.rs6.com/showthread.php/22...ghlight=roller

[hahnmgh63]

Due to MaxRS6's experience, I replaced all of the Bolts/Studs with new ones when I did my last 75K (@65K) timing belt job. Make sure to properly torque all of these.

[Zorb]

Due to MaxRS6's experience, I replaced all of the Bolts/Studs with new ones when I did my last 75K (@65K) timing belt job. Make sure to properly torque all of these.

I'm 4000 miles from doing my 75K service (at 75K because the 35K was done at 43K by previous owner). Do you have the part numbers by chance for the bolts you replaced? I agree that it seems like a good "while you're at it" replacement to do them.

[Turbowned]

Sounds like a fantastic waste of money if you have to change it every 35k anyway...

[hahnmgh63]

The Timing Belt is the same as the S8 & A8 of around the same years. Most of the rollers/tensioners are the same so I definitely wouldn't feel bad to go past 45K. Just did my girlfriends A8 at 80K (75K recommended) and it all looked real good still.

[G2]

I wonder if the bolts are shearing on the second use? Any info on this?

Beside my personal anecdote of having replaced many VAG t-belts using the old bolts and none failing so far. Been using t-belt kits with hardware as of late due to availability.

[G2]

Haven't heard of any failures yet....hope to keep it that way. I have 3 Gates racing belts. One for the RS6, one for the B5 V6, and an extra for any discerning customer car.

Just did a B7 A4 t-belt job a smidge after due date (110K). The smaller idlers were not doing so well, water pump was loose and seaping, and the big rollers weren't happy either.

Been kicking the can around on figuring a way to make or modify the smaller idler pulleys. Terrifies me just looking at those single-row itsy bitsy skateboard bearings the factory uses....