How to Change the Drive Belt for a 1998 A4 Audi

1. Locate the negative battery cable at the battery. Remove the retaining bolt from the cable end with a wrench, then lift the negative cable off the battery, isolating it from the terminals while you work.
2. Place a socket on the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley, attach a breaker bar to the socket and rotate the tensioner counterclockwise until the belt is loose enough to come off the tensioner pulley. Slide the belt off all the accessory pulleys and discard it. Rotate the tensioner back to the free arm position and allow it to rest there.
3. Install a new belt on all the pulleys except the tensioner pulley, paying close attention to the belt path. Refer to the belt path diagram located under the hood if you are at all unsure of the correct path. An improperly routed belt can do extreme damage to the engine and accessories.
4. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise and slide the belt onto the tensioner pulley. Rotate the tensioner clockwise, tightening the belt, until the tensioner stops. Do not force it any further or you will damage the belt. Remove the socket and breaker bar from the engine compartment.
5. Install the negative battery cable on the negative terminal of the battery. Tighten the clamp bolt on the cable end with a wrench to secure it, then close the hood.