[Tman2021]

Hi Guys,

Still getting used to the Q5 never having never owned one before so apologies if this sounds a dumb question.

The car is a 2017 reg so having the cam belt replaced next month by my independent audi specialist. He said he will also replace the associate pulleys, tension, water pump etc.

With the water pump being replaced, is it normal to drain and replace the coolant aswell. Or will it just be topped up should any be lost during the change?

I got the car last Nov and have covered approx 1200 miles since then. I have had to top up the coolant today slightly by approx 10ml so I didn't know if that is normal or as I have read elsewhere the waterpump may have a small leak on it? On my last car (not audi) I had a coolant loss which turned out to be the seal in the expansion cap had failed, replacing it fixed the issue. So I bought a new expansion cap from audi in Dec and can see when cold, condensation at the top of the of the tank so assume the cap is sealing fine.

Thanks in advance

 

[Richard _Lincoln]

Cam belt replacement is usually (recommended) with water pump, pulleys and tensioner change. Again fluid change at the same time is optional. Max saving is just change the cam belt. Your choice. Fluid never requires replacement so could be saved and re-used.

 

[Tman2021]

Thanks Richard. Going to go for the full replacement so I know its all done. The 10ml of coolant I have had to top up could be a small weep at the water pump I guess, or I may just have thought it looked a bit lower in the tank than normal. Have put a small mark on the tank so can monitor if it drops before I take it for the cam belt work next month so I can mention.

 

[SINGHY]

Thanks Richard. Going to go for the full replacement so I know its all done. The 10ml of coolant I have had to top up could be a small weep at the water pump I guess, or I may just have thought it looked a bit lower in the tank than normal. Have put a small mark on the tank so can monitor if it drops before I take it for the cam belt work next month so I can mention.

Tman, did you get the cam belt done by Audi, reason I ask is that mines due but they’re;e quoting £840! do you mind telling me what yours cost?
Thanks.

 

[Tman2021]

Tman, did you get the cam belt done by Audi, reason I ask is that mines due but they’re;e quoting £840! do you mind telling me what yours cost?
Thanks.

Hey Singhy,

Yep I was quoted same price by Audi Dealer.
Luckily I have now got a local independent Audi specialist. All OEM parts and coolant top up and labour £645.

 

[SINGHY]

Thanks Tman, that sounds more like it albeit still expensive.

 

[Tman2021]

Thanks Tman, that sounds more like it albeit still expensive.

Yep but bear in mind its a pretty labour intensive job. whole front end comes off. The price I paid included the replacement of all cam belt related components...drive belt, tensioners, pulleys, aux belts, water pump and the coolant after air bleeding the system.

If you are London based I can give you my guy's number - he worked for VW (air cool back in the day) for many years before moving on to a couple of audio dealerships before going it alone.

 

[jdp1962]

Yep but bear in mind its a pretty labour intensive job. whole front end comes off. The price I paid included the replacement of all cam belt related components...drive belt, tensioners, pulleys, aux belts, water pump and the coolant after air bleeding the system.

And that's why it pays to get everything else done at the same time. All it needs is for the water pump to fail after the cambelt has been replaced, and it will all need doing again, including most likely another new cambelt as a seized water pump will probably strip the belt.