timing belt change

[pjeast73]

Is the timing belt the 'toothed belt' in the servie book?
How often should this be changed?
Just had one go in the wife's Clio - fortunately no damage done to engine.
According to my service book the last time the belts were changed was 80K - its now approaching 140k.
Does this need replacing soon?
And how big a job is it - do I leave this to the experts?
Cheers
Paul

[A6 AVANT]

If it were mine, I would get it done! It's not a 5 minute job and there are a few other jobs recommended to do whilst doing the belt, i.e. thermostat. Search on the forum for Timing belt and see all the threads and info associated with this topic. It should really have a section all of it's own for all the threads about it!
Hope this helps,
chris

[desmo888]

The job is more time consuming than difficult. I would give it a weekend for your first time. It all depends on how much time you spend cleaning and painting bits that you pull off. One day easily if you keep on it and don't piss around with it.
www.20v.org has the procedure written in a user friendly way and there are a few tricks in there. It is for the 7A engine but everything applies to the turbo engines as well.
The things you absolutely should replace with the belt are the idler pulley and water pump. Seals and other items are optional imo.
Step one: throw the idler in the freezer...

Best of Luck!