Redline21

So I am doing the timing job on my 2.8. I ordered parts before I started, and thought that I would have to pull the valve covers off based on what I saw in the 3.0 tech article so I ordered VC gaskets. Of course now that I am actually doing it, I realize that no, I don't need to pull the VCs.

Should I go ahead and remove them anyway and put new gaskets in for the hell of it? Or should I leave well enough alone and stop trying to fix things that aren't broke? There is no real indication that they are leaking oil. The engine has 115k miles on it. I don't know how much extra work/pain it would be to pull them an replace the gaskets. Is it good preventive maintenance or should I just wait until something starts leaking?

4Driver4

You will need to replace them to change the cam adjust seals.

IMHO, no 30v timing belt job is complete without changing the cam seals (4), cam adjuster seals (2) and the cam plugs (2).

Cam adjust seals shrink. Eventually they will leak. Do them now with the belt and save yourself a big headache later.

Redline21

Ok, cam adjuster seals and tool 3366 ordered! Looks like it will be a few more days before I get to drive the new A4. Thanks for the info.

Allroady DungBeetle

Firm 2nd.