Pawel S

Mishar,

I am preparing for spring timing belt service.
In your DIY you wrote to "pop" timing gears with gear puller. I don't quite understand how they are mounted to the cam shafts. If I just loosen cam gear bolts (all data DIY said 5 turns) will the gears be free spinning or I need gear puller to pop them to free spin?

Thanks in advance.

Mister Bally

Though I am not Mishar, yes, you need a puller to free the sprockets from the camshafts. Use a good puller that remains straight by design. Here, harmonic balancing pullers are not recommended. If they move off center, a camshaft sprocket can snap.
I hate it when that happens!

mishar

Mister Bally knows. He did it more times than I did.

A8CT

The easiest way to install the crank lock tool is facing the rear of the car, put your arm up between the cross members. That makes it easy, much easier than the D2 to install. And, the most important thing is which crank lock tool you have. There was an update and the older one is longer and a real bitch to get started. The shorter one is a piece of cake.

Pawel S

Gentlemen,

The day has finally come, I am starting my timing belt, coolant pump and thermostat replacement. My 2004 A8L is 75k kms. Did you disconnect battery during this service? On most of the cars I worked on before, I disconnected the battery as a precaution. I am hesitant to do that on A8 as I read some "horror" stories about issues after battery was disconnected. Also, I have purchased Ross Tech VCDS and ran and saved auto scan before I touched the car. Is there anything else I should be aware of before I start? Thank you

Mister Bally

I did not disconnect the battery ground strap either time I replaced the timing belt and all the related goodies on my 2004 A8. No problems at all.

MP4.2+6.0

I did it twice on my 2000 C5 4.2 and never disconnected battery. Given what is involved and anywhere near the work area (or not--like starter, exposed alternator or battery), I don't see need for it. Only scenario I could see isn't really a short type worry, but rather someone stupidly hits the start button or turns key when the belt is off. That would be a disaster if crank isn't locked...which could have its own set of added issues if the lock pin shears in turn.

seattlematt

Any reason to jack the car on stands? Why not just drive it up on ramps?

Jack88

Wheels got in my way accessing the fasteners holding on the bumper cover. I don't know if you can get in there with them on or not.

seattlematt

Cool, I already got those off.

Anybody used anything in lieu of the crane lock tool? Will a bolt work?