arjun90

Fault Codes:
18405
- 18405/P1997/006551 - Friction too High; Exhaust Cam Adjustement Bank 1

16399
- 16399 - Bank 1: Camshaft B (Exhaust): Advance Setpoint not Reached (Over-Retarded)

18406
- 18406/P1998/006552 - Friction too High; Intake Cam Adjustement Bank 2

18404
- 18404/P1996/006550 - Friction too High; Intake Cam Adjustement Bank 1

Mechanical Sounds suddenly appeared from the engine while I was on the highway today; first I thought it was coming from another vehicle, but after exiting the highway, realized it was coming from my vehicle. A bit frustrated as to where to begin and how to resolve. I do know for the last several months, for the first several seconds during cold starts, there would be characteristic rattle / squeak sounds; wasn't sure if this was pulley related, but seems like the issue built up to the point where the above mentioned fault codes surfaced. Its a little difficult to point to the direct source of the sound.

Guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

arjun90

I opened the timing belt covers and was distraught to see the timing belt partially torn; felt it rubbing against the timing belt cover. Could this have given rise to the fault codes disclosed in my initial post, or are the fault codes indicating further damage as a result of the timing belt failure?

arjun90

Took a picture of the timing belt failure, seems like the belt is trying to push out; a timing belt should fail like this, any idea?

clancy

Had this years ago and the idler pulley bearing went.

arjun90

Thanks for bringing this to my attention clancy, what about the tensioner? Belt wasn't that loose, but could be pushed back if enough force is applied.

clancy

You will need to perform a timing belt service because of the frayed belt. You will likely find the bad pulley bearing or tensioner or whatever it is when you do the service. Mine was caused because the person who did the timing belt did only the belt and not all the required other components. I bought the car with the mistaken understanding a full service had been performed. I did not know to clarify that all the appropriate parts were replaced. I drove it a few thousand miles and then had to have the proper timing belt service performed. My belt had frayed almost to a point of breaking. Lucky it did not break and cost me $$$

arjun90

Thank you clancy, your guidance is much appreciated. So, I may have not caused permanent damage to the engine, right? Or can I only speculate now for the time-being.

clancy

I am guessing not yet. Don't wait.

arjun90

At initial point of the rubbing Timing Belt sound, the engine's RPM wasn't returning back to the normal 750 RPM level, it stayed at 1,000-1,100 RPM.

Also found this,
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/n9..._233356_a6.pdf

clancy

Looks like you found good info. This is beyond my knowledge level and cannot offer anything more except you will still need to replace the timing belt. Although you may want to see if Audi needs to see the frayed timing belt in place prior to replacing, if there is any responsibility on their part for which they will assist in remedy and/or payment.

Still, I would not drive or even start it until resolved.