joebo

I bought a '97 A4 last weekend with 83k miles. The place I bought it from didn't have any maintenance records. I didn't want to take any chances, so I started a timing belt replacement this morning. I bought the ultimate timing belt kit from ecstuning. I also bought a new <a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi/?html=learnmore.html&productID=1673">timing belt dampner</a>. I had heard that the original OEM timing belt dampner was defective and could cause the timing belt to break prematurely.

During the repair I found a couple things. First, the timing belt and water pump had already been replaced. The accessory belt hadn't though so I replaced that. I also didn't see a timing belt dampner. I bought a new one from ECS Tuning for $99, but didn't see one on my car.

Is the timing belt dampner needed? Do the newer tensioners replace the need for it? I've been driving the car since last weekend with no issue and I doubt the timing belt was replaced within the past couple months.

Thanks for any advice you can give. I found this forum to be invaluable in the TB replacement today. Also, has anyone here had good experience returning items to ECS Tuning? If I bought the dampner, I'd like to return it since it was $100.

CURSH[silverbullet]

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78196/stf.jpg"></center><p>

AudiAddict B7

It should be holding the tensioner roller in position. If the one on your car has a ball on the end of the piston you should remove it and replace it with the updated version.

RedBlackYellow

ahh! you look like a 14 year old trapped in a 30 year old's car! j/k

AudiAddict B7

Answering my own post here but which engine do you have?

joebo

I have a 2.8 12v. I have the same <a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi/?html=learnmore.html&productID=615">tensioner roller</a> as what is in the ECS Tuning Ultimate Timing Belt Kit.

joebo

I think the last person that replaced the timing belt either forgot to put the tensioner (timing belt dampner?) on or it's no longer needed. My engine has holes for the original part, but it wasn't there.

CURSH[silverbullet]

Not me :-D Gilliamos

RedBlackYellow

heh, oh. well got a date with the highway --&gt; NY.. cool post about tensioners anyway

AudiAddict B7

Make sure that the waterpump and thermostat have been changed if you're in there.

The waterpump can seize and break the belt, they typically last about 80K miles.