Cam follower questions

[sstrem]

Hey guys I bought my 06 A4 with 65000 on it before I found out about the cam follower situation. Don't get me wrong I love my car my first turbo charged car. We'll I think my cam follower and pump is shot it has the symptoms of it. It's going in on Tuesday. My question is when I get it back how often should I change it? I'm apr stage 2 thought maybe going 2+. So if someone could help me out? Thanks for your time guys. Pm me if anybody is from Wisconsin.

[Inked]

Every 10k miles

[wildcat333]

What about for someone stage 1+ ?

[mec]

Rule of thumb for anyone...no one is special...everyone for the last time Here is it is....Golden Rules for cam followers.

1. Always have a spare cam follower. Always means always.
2. Check it every 10k.

Doesn't matter if you are stage 1 or stage 7.

[cheemn]

Lol I keep a spare follower along with the seal in my trunk. [wrench]
Doesn't take much space so why not.

[Brillo]

mec I'm not very 'Stage savvy' but at the stage where a higher volume HPFP is installed I would check the follower more often because the higher volume pumps definitely put more back pressure on the cam and cam follower. Brillo

[mec]

mec I'm not very 'Stage savvy' but at the stage where a higher volume HPFP is installed I would check the follower more often because the higher volume pumps definitely put more back pressure on the cam and cam follower. Brillo

Yeah that's true, I'm stage 3 and my followers last like 15k. The thing is it all depends on how you drive and your tuning so you need to do like 2-3 to figure out what your regimen should be, so I just say 10k. It's a safe way to avoid cf issues

[aluthman]

My last one needed swapped at around 10k. That's with an upgraded hpfp, 130 bar requested rail pressure, and a brand new intake cam. I'm planning on changing it every 10k. It only costs $40 and a few minutes, so why not?

[mec]

My last one needed swapped at around 10k. That's with an upgraded hpfp, 130 bar requested rail pressure, and a brand new intake cam. I'm planning on changing it every 10k. It only costs $40 and a few minutes, so why not?

If you are ever in doubt of what to do in a cam follower situation. Just ask yourself. WWAD - What Would Adam Do? and then you can remember, swap that bitch every 10k, its only $40. That's what I do anyway. Gonna make some WWAD rubber bracelets and shirts so the community knows whats up.

[aluthman]

I better get one of those bracelets…

[mec]

I better get one of those bracelets…

and royalties of course!

[aluthman]

Yeah, that too.

[sstrem]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I had 97000 or so on it when it went so hope all goes well on Tuesday and it's not to bad. I'll have to learn how to change it and I'll do it every 10-15k. That's pretty much why I haven't went to a K04 kit or 2+. It's just something I'll have to learn how to change, just a little nervous on doing it about torquing down the bolts right. Well thanks again everyone.

[mcpcartier]

Here is how my followers have lasted (original cam still in great shape)...

Original follower - 102K: stock
2nd follower - 30K: 20k at stage 1 (and it still looked OK), last 10k with stage 2 - APR HPFP
3rd follower - 10k: looked OK, but didn't want to push it
4th follower - 2k so far, its an EPY special

[sstrem]

Also I was thinking of getting a fmic this summer. Was looking at the cx racing kit or getting the ATP pipping kit with the treadstone tr6 core. Looked at awe's but a little to pricey for me and not going stage 3 or if I do it will probly be apr s3 k04 kit.

[aluthman]

Also I was thinking of getting a fmic this summer. Was looking at the cx racing kit or getting the ATP pipping kit with the treadstone tr6 core. Looked at awe's but a little to pricey for me and not going stage 3 or if I do it will probly be apr s3 k04 kit.

Check out the JHM FMIC.

[vce1232000]

^^^^^x2. Cant beat the price for a complete set up with ps cooler relocated[:p]

[sstrem]

Well dealership just called and said it was my throttle body sensor and need to rewire it. $910 f my life.

[GDC]

Also I was thinking of getting a fmic this summer. Was looking at the cx racing kit or getting the ATP pipping kit with the treadstone tr6 core. Looked at awe's but a little to pricey for me and not going stage 3 or if I do it will probly be apr s3 k04 kit.

Treadstone TR 18 is a great core and DoubleZero's custom piping diy is a breeze

[Jake@JHM]

We got cam followers for only $35!

http://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalog/images/B7_A4_20T_Cam_follower_06D109309C.jpg

Clicky! (http://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalog/cam-follower-for-fuel-pump-for-b7-a4-20t-p-1629.html)

Jake

[esandes]

i started drinking the whole cam follower catastrophe kool-aid and i swapped out the follower every 50k only to find it was in mint condition each time. i use mobil 1 0W-40 every 5000 miles. i don't even plan to change the follower any more.

[MNB5Tuner]

i started drinking the whole cam follower catastrophe kool-aid and i swapped out the follower every 50k only to find it was in mint condition each time. i use mobil 1 0W-40 every 5000 miles. i don't even plan to change the follower any more.
Same here. 50k on it when I bought the car and replaced it just because. 15k miles later I replaced it again but it was barely even worn

[rongeur]

i started drinking the whole cam follower catastrophe kool-aid and i swapped out the follower every 50k only to find it was in mint condition each time. i use mobil 1 0W-40 every 5000 miles. i don't even plan to change the follower any more.

This is just plain terrible advice.

Advice on the forum is pretty consistent. Checking the wear on your follower every oil change takes like 15 minutes tops. If it shows excessive wear, replace, if it is smooth with little to no wear, don't replace. I have had a follower look great with little wear after 50k mile stock and also had a follower look excessively worn after 10k mile with APR hpfp. (I would post a picture but I donated them to EPY a while back). Most recent oil change showed no wear. It never hurts to keep a close eye on it.

Then again, if you don't even know how to change your own oil... http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/563979-motul-5w-40-vs-mobil-1-0W-40

[mec]

This is just plain terrible advice.

Advice on the forum is pretty consistent. Checking the wear on your follower every oil change takes like 15 minutes tops. If it shows excessive wear, replace, if it is smooth with little to no wear, don't replace. I have had a follower look great with little wear after 50k mile stock and also had a follower look excessively worn after 10k mile with APR hpfp. (I would post a picture but I donated them to EPY a while back). Most recent oil change showed no wear. It never hurts to keep a close eye on it.

Then again, if you don't even know how to change your own oil... http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/563979-motul-5w-40-vs-mobil-1-0W-40

hahahahahaha.....rule of thumb...never take cam follower advice from someone who doesn't even do their own oil changes.

[Inked]

hahahahahaha.....rule of thumb...never take cam follower advice from someone who doesn't even do their own oil changes.

Lol

[p0isin]

Guys we all know esandes is like super duper rich and can just buy a new car if the cam follower breaks... Why else would he consistently give such terrible advice? Don't take his advice unless you can afford to do the same.

[Dustinmc15]

Pardon my ignorance, I'm new, but from what I understand Audi increased the warranty on the cam follower/cam/hpfp to 10 years or 120k miles for most b7 2.0ts. With that being the case, is there a need to so diligently check the cam follower?

[kegobeer]

Pardon my ignorance, I'm new, but from what I understand Audi increased the warranty on the cam follower/cam/hpfp to 10 years or 120k miles for most b7 2.0ts. With that being the case, is there a need to so diligently check the cam follower?

Yes. Preventative maintenance is always better than mopping up a catastrophe.

[p0isin]

Also, I don't believe that 2008 A4's qualify for the extended warranty, so it's much easier to catch the problem before it destroys parts of your engine.

[Ballzo]

Are you guys really able to check this in 15 minutes. I've not done the job yet and was figuring it would probably take a couple hours. Can you share how you check these so quick?

[mec]

Are you guys really able to check this in 15 minutes. I've not done the job yet and was figuring it would probably take a couple hours. Can you share how you check these so quick?

Step 1. Remove drain valve on the rear side of the pump, use a 13mm open ended wrench.
Step 2. Remove banjo bolt using an m8 and doughly 15-24" of 3/8ths extension.
Step 3. Use a 17mm open ended wrench to remove the nut parallel to the banjo.
Step 4. Remove 3 t-30 torx bolts.

Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.

Step 5. Remove the harnesses to the two sensors at some point.

[diond]

Step 1. Remove drain valve on the rear side of the pump, use a 13mm open ended wrench.
Step 2. Remove banjo bolt using an m8 and doughly 15-24" of 3/8ths extension.
Step 3. Use a 17mm open ended wrench to remove the nut parallel to the banjo.
Step 4. Remove 3 t-30 torx bolts.

Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.

Step 5. Remove the harnesses to the two sensors at some point.

Well, I would suggest you to take it easy if it is your first time. Do it correctly first time and after that you will figure it out how to do it faster. For first time, I would suggest this procedure:

https://plus.google.com/photos/113303188430616112714/albums/5213037516919656161/5213041852187677122?banner=pwa&pid=5213041852187677122&oid=113303188430616112714

As Mec said, there is a banjo bolt, but something, it is more a fuel line like this:

http://s750.photobucket.com/user/daviddion1/media/IMG_1332_zps75df3229.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

[diond]

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx147/daviddion1/IMG_1332_zps75df3229.jpg (http://s750.photobucket.com/user/daviddion1/media/IMG_1332_zps75df3229.jpg.html)

[mec]

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx147/daviddion1/IMG_1332_zps75df3229.jpg (http://s750.photobucket.com/user/daviddion1/media/IMG_1332_zps75df3229.jpg.html)

Oh ok, so you have the bamboo fitting, which just means no banjo bolt, its just a clamp you have to remove.

[diond]

Oh ok, so you have the bamboo fitting, which just means no banjo bolt, its just a clamp you have to remove.

Yeah just a clamp. It is easy to remove the clamp...but a pain in the ass to remove the hose itself because it is always sticked. I would probably prefer to have the banjo bolt.

[mec]

Yeah just a clamp. It is easy to remove the clamp...but a pain in the ass to remove the hose itself because it is always sticked. I would probably prefer to have the banjo bolt.

thats funny, most banjo bolt guys want the hose fitting. lol I guess no one can appreciate what they have.

[diond]

thats funny, most banjo bolt guys want the hose fitting. lol I guess no one can appreciate what they have.

haha, you're right. Whatever is your setup, you'll always think it would be better in a different way. In my case, it was the first time I check the CF in the last year. Maybe if I would do it more frequently, the hose would come out more easily...I heard lot of people having hard time with the banjo bolt.

So what's your setup (Banjo or Hose??)

[mec]

haha, you're right. Whatever is your setup, you'll always think it would be better in a different way. In my case, it was the first time I check the CF in the last year. Maybe if I would do it more frequently, the hose would come out more easily...I heard lot of people having hard time with the banjo bolt.

So what's your setup (Banjo or Hose??)

I have a Banjo, I like it. but I can see how a hose would be convenient too. I think I have more trust in this banjo though, I feel like a hose would blow off if you didn't attach the clamp right...im pretty paranoid though ha

[Ballzo]

I recall something about the fuel rail pressure. Is that a concern?

[diond]

I have a Banjo, I like it. but I can see how a hose would be convenient too. I think I have more trust in this banjo though, I feel like a hose would blow off if you didn't attach the clamp right...im pretty paranoid though ha

Yes I understand your paranoia. I don't like these clamps, especially on fuel lines. On vacuum lines, it does'nt bother me. But pressurized fuel lines, it is more easy to have a leak... Anyway, every time I check the CF, I scrap the hose and replace it with a new one. I should do the same thing with the clamps...or put clamp that you can tighten with a screwdriver.

[Inked]

thats funny, most banjo bolt guys want the hose fitting. lol I guess no one can appreciate what they have.

Lmao. That's a car enthusiasts kryptonite lol...

I remember driving my car home the night I got it explaining to the wife how the cars perfect and I don't need to dump Alot of money in it like others because it's so nice... Well that was until I saw oem Bixenons, Flys leds, low, 19s, custom grille options, navigation, etc... Hell I've spent $1500 on it this month and I've had the car going on 4 years now haha lol

[aluthman]

I've checked the follower on cars with the banjo (mine) and ones with the hose. I prefer the hose because I was able to get the CF out without even taking the hose off. Just pull the pump out and out of the way.

[mec]

I've checked the follower on cars with the banjo (mine) and ones with the hose. I prefer the hose because I was able to get the CF out without even taking the hose off. Just pull the pump out and out of the way.

Oh that's a really good point, I forgot you could do that. well thats a a way better option. I was also thinking of blocking off that port with a hex cap so that I can get all three bolts off without spilling gas everywhere.

[mec]

I recall something about the fuel rail pressure. Is that a concern?

its not a huge deal. Basically don't try to replace the cam follower while the engine is running.

some guys pull their fuse and idle the car to drop pressure from 50 bar to 6 bar. The same effect can be had if you let the car cool down. I usually park it, come back a half hour later once its cool, and then just put a shop towel (those blue paper towels) under the pump so that it absorbs the fuel that falls out. Also wear glasses, its not likely that gas will spew at you but you never know when someone will open your drivers door, prime the fuel pump and boom fuel goes everywhere....boom might be a bad choice of words.

[diond]

I've checked the follower on cars with the banjo (mine) and ones with the hose. I prefer the hose because I was able to get the CF out without even taking the hose off. Just pull the pump out and out of the way.

OK good. I'll try it next time. Maybe I will need to put a longer hose to be able to remove the pump without disconnecting the hose. I will figure it out.

[aluthman]

its not a huge deal. Basically don't try to replace the cam follower while the engine is running.

some guys pull their fuse and idle the car to drop pressure from 50 bar to 6 bar. The same effect can be had if you let the car cool down. I usually park it, come back a half hour later once its cool, and then just put a shop towel (those blue paper towels) under the pump so that it absorbs the fuel that falls out. Also wear glasses, its not likely that gas will spew at you but you never know when someone will open your drivers door, prime the fuel pump and boom fuel goes everywhere....boom might be a bad choice of words.

I pull the lpfp fuse (#28) to keep that from happening, but I don't bleed off the pressure. Just do it on a cool or cold engine and undo the connections slowly and try to catch fuel with a shop towel.

[Jake@JHM]

I replaced mine this evening:) 99k miles and it was still good.

[esandes]

This is just plain terrible advice.

Advice on the forum is pretty consistent. Checking the wear on your follower every oil change takes like 15 minutes tops. If it shows excessive wear, replace, if it is smooth with little to no wear, don't replace. I have had a follower look great with little wear after 50k mile stock and also had a follower look excessively worn after 10k mile with APR hpfp. (I would post a picture but I donated them to EPY a while back). Most recent oil change showed no wear. It never hurts to keep a close eye on it.

Then again, if you don't even know how to change your own oil... http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/563979-motul-5w-40-vs-mobil-1-0W-40

wow you're so cool. you can change your oil. my hero.

[cheemn]

No need to get personal guys but on a serious note. NO company would extend warranty on a part if the part in question had no serious design flaw issue. This is why preventative maintenance such as checking and replacing if necessary the cam follower has been repeated again and again on this site. After all many b7's are soon to be out of the stated range of age and mileage to be covered by Audi if most aren't already. [az]

[sstrem]

Hey guys Op here well getting the car back today and it was not followe like I thought it was. My car has 98xxx on it. My question is do wait till kit goes out or start changing it myself. They said the follower was ok. So what do I do?

[dws114]

Hey guys Op here well getting the car back today and it was not followe like I thought it was. My car has 98xxx on it. My question is do wait till kit goes out or start changing it myself. They said the follower was ok. So what do I do?

I spoke with a very experienced service tech earlier this week wondering the same thing. He suggested I should not worry about changing the follower and wait for it to fail. I've got about 30k miles before going past the extended warranty period so I'm going to wait for it to fail but also be keeping a very close eye on it. I'm still very torn on the issue though. I'm thinking I might just keep a new follower handy for some peace of mind.

[Moxi]

I spoke with a very experienced service tech earlier this week wondering the same thing. He suggested I should not worry about changing the follower and wait for it to fail. I've got about 30k miles before going past the extended warranty period so I'm going to wait for it to fail but also be keeping a very close eye on it. I'm still very torn on the issue though. I'm thinking I might just keep a new follower handy for some peace of mind.

Yeah so that "very experienced service tech" also knows that when the cam follower fails you will be in it for a hpfp as well as the possibility of an entire intake rebuild. Your call but I recommend going with your gut on this one and replace it or at least check it at regular intervals. I check mine at 15k regardless.

[dws114]

Yeah so that "very experienced service tech" also knows that when the cam follower fails you will be in it for a hpfp as well as the possibility of an entire intake rebuild. Your call but I recommend going with your gut on this one and replace it or at least check it at regular intervals. I check mine at 15k regardless.

And none of it coming out of my pocket. Or at least that's my understanding. I will absolutely be checking the follower at regular intervals. I don't live close enough to the dealer for towing the car to be affordable or reasonable. Who knows, I'll probably change my mind next week and just change it regularly.

[betyouaint]

So, I'm at 108,000 miles and the follower has never been checked or replaced. I'm happy with checking it every 10k but like some have suggested, this does seem like overkill. A bit like 3000 mile oil changes... or even 5000 mile changes come to that. Sure, if you're running a modded setup or drive like a banshee everywhere then I might see it. That said, the paranoia is obviously rubbing off and as I'm in sight of the 120k/10y warranty extension it may be prudent to check and maybe replace.

My question is, how likely is it that the HPFP gasket will be aged to the point of needing replacement? I don't want to check the follower to find that I can't refit the pump.

I see that the followers are available on their own but also as a kit that has the o-ring and replacement torx bolts. Do you guys get a full kit every time or do you mostly recycle the old o-ring and bolts?

[ironxcross]

So, I'm at 108,000 miles and the follower has never been checked or replaced. I'm happy with checking it every 10k but like some have suggested, this does seem like overkill. A bit like 3000 mile oil changes... or even 5000 mile changes come to that. Sure, if you're running a modded setup or drive like a banshee everywhere then I might see it. That said, the paranoia is obviously rubbing off and as I'm in sight of the 120k/10y warranty extension it may be prudent to check and maybe replace.

My question is, how likely is it that the HPFP gasket will be aged to the point of needing replacement? I don't want to check the follower to find that I can't refit the pump.

I see that the followers are available on their own but also as a kit that has the o-ring and replacement torx bolts. Do you guys get a full kit every time or do you mostly recycle the old o-ring and bolts?

I just recycled my bolts and o-ring when I did mine and it was completely fine. Not squished or hardened at all or anything like that. Mine only has 50k miles on it, but it's an '06 so it's been crammed in there for a while. I also really can't imagine a reason to replace all three bolts... that seems like crazy over the top maintenance to me no?

[kegobeer]

So, I'm at 108,000 miles and the follower has never been checked or replaced. I'm happy with checking it every 10k but like some have suggested, this does seem like overkill. A bit like 3000 mile oil changes... or even 5000 mile changes come to that. Sure, if you're running a modded setup or drive like a banshee everywhere then I might see it. That said, the paranoia is obviously rubbing off and as I'm in sight of the 120k/10y warranty extension it may be prudent to check and maybe replace.

My question is, how likely is it that the HPFP gasket will be aged to the point of needing replacement? I don't want to check the follower to find that I can't refit the pump.

I see that the followers are available on their own but also as a kit that has the o-ring and replacement torx bolts. Do you guys get a full kit every time or do you mostly recycle the old o-ring and bolts?

Take that to the dealer and pay the $125 inspection fee, and tell them to check the cam follower. I can almost guarantee you'll get your $125 back when they replace everything under warranty. My 2006 had 108k on it when I took it to the dealer - and they replaced all the parts covered by the warranty.

[Levski]

I did mine at 36k a month ago with the bolts and o ring. The bolts were find but changed them anyway. The o ring was squished and tore when trying to take it off. The follower's protective coat was all worn out it had scratches on it also. Will check in 15k to figure out how frequently I need to change it. Only on a stage 1 for 6k miles so far. So don't think the tune accelerated the wear.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[V2Rider]

46400k on my 2007 I bought with 44000, I'm ordering the cam follower and pcv and replacing it. This is my first Audi, so I'm being really anal, to the point that I already ordered a TB kit, diverter valve, and Transmission kit. Ive also changed the plugs, coil packs, air filter. And on top of that, flushed the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and oil and replaced all 3 with Amsoil. Funny thing, I was going through oil at a good pace. 1300 miles and it has not moved at all on the dipstick after the work . Take it for what you will..... ( I did run a bottle of mystery oil 300 miles before switching to Amsoil)

[Levski]

I did most of what you did on mine when I got it with 28k miles other than the TB kit. I am still debating because I am only at 36k now but car is 6 years old

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[V2Rider]

I did most of what you did on mine when I got it with 28k miles other than the TB kit. I am still debating because I am only at 36k now but car is 6 years old

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

I may have waited, but the "chirp" is bugging, and scaring me. The consequences far out weigh the early cost of a timing belt kit. I was going to do the install myself, but I get a sweet 350 dollar install deal from an Audi shop owned by a friend. ;)

[betyouaint]

I may have waited, but the "chirp" is bugging, and scaring me. The consequences far out weigh the early cost of a timing belt kit. I was going to do the install myself, but I get a sweet 350 dollar install deal from an Audi shop owned by a friend. ;)

What's the "chirp"...?

I got a 10% off deal in the mail... a week after I had the timing belt done. D'oh...!!!

[V2Rider]

What's the "chirp"...?

I got a 10% off deal in the mail... a week after I had the timing belt done. D'oh...!!!

I have a "bird chirp" during cold start idle. Baby Powder makes it quiet for a few days, so I'm assuming there is either an oil spot, or dry spot on the belt. At any rate, it will not go ignored, I'll dump the money into it now and not worry about it again until about 125k, hopefully.

[Ballzo]

Being were discussing this here already. When I had my car in a few weeks ago for TSB I though I'd just have them check the cam follower for me. To my surprise, my service rep was not familiar with it and said he was going to have to charge me to take the valve cover off to check it.

Because I had already looked at the DIY and there was no mention of taking off the valve cover so I just said, forget it, I'll check it myself. Is it possible that this service guy that has been there for almost as long as I've owned this car wouldn't know about the cam follower on the 2.0t?

[SkydiverTodd]

Just a word of thanks to all the people on these forums. I had my cam follower replaced today (just past 120k on a stock '06 A4 2.0T) and it wasn't about to fail right away but an ounce of prevention is worth it. I don't run the higher pressure fuel pump or race it, no APR tuning stage. I actually had my local mechanic do it because I do have the money to pay him $125 to do it but not the time to do it myself (working in Silicon Valley, hour plus commute each direction, big house, kids, and a lot more). Mechanic used to work for Audi for 8+ years, he said that he thought it was really smart to do this as a preventative thing and was surprised I had done my homework about needing it and what it took to replace it (I even had the new cam follower and O-ring ready to go for him).

Can't wait until my kids are old enough to be out of the house and I can afford to do crap I enjoy, as well as have the time to do it. I have a '31 Chevy coupe in the garage that I'm trying to get slowly turned into a street rod, I have had maybe three or four hours in the last year to touch that.

[mcpcartier]

I know you know....but enjoy the kids while you can....

Funny how the kids I like have parents who've invested the effort to guide them through life....the annoying ungrateful kids are a generally a product of parents who didn't spend time with them and threw money at things to keep them occupied.

Hopefully you have time to jump on zine when you need help and the folk here will lend a hand.


Just a word of thanks to all the people on these forums. I had my cam follower replaced today (just past 120k on a stock '06 A4 2.0T) and it wasn't about to fail right away but an ounce of prevention is worth it. I don't run the higher pressure fuel pump or race it, no APR tuning stage. I actually had my local mechanic do it because I do have the money to pay him $125 to do it but not the time to do it myself (working in Silicon Valley, hour plus commute each direction, big house, kids, and a lot more). Mechanic used to work for Audi for 8+ years, he said that he thought it was really smart to do this as a preventative thing and was surprised I had done my homework about needing it and what it took to replace it (I even had the new cam follower and O-ring ready to go for him).

Can't wait until my kids are old enough to be out of the house and I can afford to do crap I enjoy, as well as have the time to do it. I have a '31 Chevy coupe in the garage that I'm trying to get slowly turned into a street rod, I have had maybe three or four hours in the last year to touch that.