Timing Belt Tension
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Timing Belt Tension
Just replace the timing belt kit from Blaupart due to a bad thermostat. The tensioner gap was checked 3 times (6 crankshaft revolutions) and remained at ~5mm. I then filled the cooling system with ~2.5 gallons of 50/50 mix of G12+ and distilled water and ran the engine in the garage for ~15 - 20 minutes. All engine parameters looked ok with VCDS. The car was turned off for another 15 minutes or so and as I re-install the timing covers I decided to check the timing belt tension with my bare hands and noticed that it was quite loose. I then re-started the engine, turned it off then re-check the tension and it is where I would expect it to be. But with more time passed, it was loose again (~1/2" deflection between W/P pulley and right cam gear). Is this normal?
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That's how mine usually behaves. I believe one camshaft drifts slightly due to valve spring tension when the engine is shut off.
The real test will be when you open it up on the highway. Either the engine will scream with delight or you will hear the dreaded thud.
The real test will be when you open it up on the highway. Either the engine will scream with delight or you will hear the dreaded thud.
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You've stated in other posts that you periodically check the condition of the T/B. Do you recall how much deflection was there after the engine's been off for a while? Btw, the serpentine belt I received in the kit was way too short (more than 2"). So I re-mounted the old belt (was just replaced last winter) since I couldn't get it to clear the pulleys even with two guys.
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Just like mine. Sometimes there is 1/2" to 3/4" play which is scary but Iv had someone start the car while I watched with the covers off, it tensions right up.
As long as you used the correct tool with torque wrence to adjust the belt tension you should be good to go.
As far as your serpentine belt goes, if you read the saga of mine on my road trip in Northeast Oklahoma on July 2, be happy you are using an OEM belt.
As long as you used the correct tool with torque wrence to adjust the belt tension you should be good to go.
As far as your serpentine belt goes, if you read the saga of mine on my road trip in Northeast Oklahoma on July 2, be happy you are using an OEM belt.
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Just replace the timing belt kit from Blaupart due to a bad thermostat. The tensioner gap was checked 3 times (6 crankshaft revolutions) and remained at ~5mm. I then filled the cooling system with ~2.5 gallons of 50/50 mix of G12+ and distilled water and ran the engine in the garage for ~15 - 20 minutes. All engine parameters looked ok with VCDS. The car was turned off for another 15 minutes or so and as I re-install the timing covers I decided to check the timing belt tension with my bare hands and noticed that it was quite loose. I then re-started the engine, turned it off then re-check the tension and it is where I would expect it to be. But with more time passed, it was loose again (~1/2" deflection between W/P pulley and right cam gear). Is this normal?
Have you recently checked / viewed the TB? Have you seen anyone else with this ?
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Just replace the timing belt kit from Blaupart due to a bad thermostat. The tensioner gap was checked 3 times (6 crankshaft revolutions) and remained at ~5mm. I then filled the cooling system with ~2.5 gallons of 50/50 mix of G12+ and distilled water and ran the engine in the garage for ~15 - 20 minutes. All engine parameters looked ok with VCDS. The car was turned off for another 15 minutes or so and as I re-install the timing covers I decided to check the timing belt tension with my bare hands and noticed that it was quite loose. I then re-started the engine, turned it off then re-check the tension and it is where I would expect it to be. But with more time passed, it was loose again (~1/2" deflection between W/P pulley and right cam gear). Is this normal?
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I've been checking the timing belt every couple of weeks. It has about 2k miles on it now and the tension has been normal. I don't know what you mean by adding tension. Audi service manual said to insert the 5mm allen key with cam gears on (but not tightened), tighten eccentric pulley, install the cam locking tool, tighten both cam gears, remove cam locking tool, remove allen key, remove crank locking tool, then rotate crank 2 revs to check gap spacing.
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada USA
I've been checking the timing belt every couple of weeks. It has about 2k miles on it now and the tension has been normal. I don't know what you mean by adding tension. Audi service manual said to insert the 5mm allen key with cam gears on (but not tightened), tighten eccentric pulley, install the cam locking tool, tighten both cam gears, remove cam locking tool, remove allen key, remove crank locking tool, then rotate crank 2 revs to check gap spacing.
Last edited by Mister Bally; Oct 11, 2011 at 03:42 AM.
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