Squire

Anyone have advice on how to remove the sprocket on the crankshaft that runs the timing belt? I have the timing belt off and am about to pull the sprocket. I want some insight before I start attempting to pull it.

Unfortunately, due to a logistical error (grin), I have no special tools at my disposal yet.

4Driver4

And you definitley should use the tools to reassemble to get cam timing into factory spec.

Squire

So that is a bolt in the end of the crank shaft that I would use a 24mm 12 point socket to remove? My next question, the sprocket appears to be locked relative to the crankshaft with a key-way, is that the case or is there any timing adjustment there?

A6Gary

special tools to perform the TB maintenance: crankshaft locking pin, and the camshaft locking bar.

Squire

I'm not removing the cam sprockets, only the crank sprocket

Squire

To ask my question more clearly, how do you remove the crankshaft sprocket?

4Driver4

I leave the balancer attached and just remove the center bolt rather than deal with all the 6 mm allen bolts. The crank sprocket is keyed, and the key should be inspected carefully before the sprocket is reinstalled; they tend to crack from shear...especially if an impact gun is used to remove the 24 mm bolt. The bolt is a one time use bolt and should be replaced. To hold the crank for bolt removal, there is a special Audi tool that fits into the left side of the block and pins the crank at TDC.

4Driver4

And since you have to loosen them anyway, it's a good time to change the cam seals.

a4r1ngsdrvr

I just did mine last week, I did not remove the cam sprockets, I dont know why they say you need to,I had no trouble at all. I ran the belt and put the tensioner on last....hand cranked it around a couple times to double check, and it was perfect.

4Driver4

How do you know it was right before you started?<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/576401.phtml">The tools are the different between knowing and hoping.</a></li></ul>