1.8L Timing Belt tension

**subdude** · 10-18-2008 06:38 AM

Hello I am new to the board. I have what may be a dumb question and it is certainly mundane but here it goes. I just finished a T-Belt job on my '05 1.8L A4. I used the procedure, with some modification, posted here in the DIY section. With respect to the idler pulley adjustment prior to the release of the tensioner pin I basically used a spanner wrench to place the idler pulley in contact with the belt so that it was close to the same relative position it was in prior to disassembly. Then I released the tensioner. Fully extended the tensioner piston is about 1 inch(2.54 cm). When released the new tensioner extended ~3/8". I should not have to worry about the proper belt tension right? That is the job of the tensioner. The adjustment in the pulley ensures plenty of travel in in the piston on the idler such that as the belt wears proper tension is maintained. I measured between the Cam Pulley and the water pump sprocket and I had roughly 5/16" of play in the belt. I looked for a spec. but was unable to find anything specific to my car. I had the maintenance plan on this car so for the last 4 yrs I have not had to touch it however I think I am definitely going to invest in the service manual on the Bentley Publisher's website.

**dirtybrd** · 10-18-2008 06:47 AM

When I do a belt, I'll give the belt enough tension with the mechanical tensioner so if the hydraulic one fails it'll stay tight. The hydraulic one is there to keep the belt tight as it stretches. You will want to be able to turn the long side of the belt about 90 degrees for proper tension.

**subdude** · 10-18-2008 02:46 PM

Why couldn't you live in New York!?? It really wasn't as bad of a job as I thought. I am waiting for parts to finish. Turns out the coolant crossover pipe(runs across the intake manifold) has a leaking service fitting. Upon further investigation the plastic plug had been sheered off and left there presumably by the dealer that I had purchased the car from. Looking back through my service paperwork a coolant leak had been noted on a visit. Guess thats how they decided to fix it for me. Anyway the seat has some good nicks in it which makes me doubtful it will ever seal right. I probably caused those trying to get the plug out. Not sure but I'll take credit for it.... The stock water pump had a plastic impeller(Great Idea)!! It was fairly brittle. Either it was already cracked or I damaged it on the way out. I was careful to work both sides out. In any case it came out in pieces. Thanks for the reply.

JR

**AudiA4_20T** · 10-18-2008 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by subdude

Why couldn't you live in New York!?? It really wasn't as bad of a job as I thought. I am waiting for parts to finish. Turns out the coolant crossover pipe(runs across the intake manifold) has a leaking service fitting. Upon further investigation the plastic plug had been sheered off and left there presumably by the dealer that I had purchased the car from. Looking back through my service paperwork a coolant leak had been noted on a visit. Guess thats how they decided to fix it for me. Anyway the seat has some good nicks in it which makes me doubtful it will ever seal right. I probably caused those trying to get the plug out. Not sure but I'll take credit for it.... The stock water pump had a plastic impeller(Great Idea)!! It was fairly brittle. Either it was already cracked or I damaged it on the way out. I was careful to work both sides out. In any case it came out in pieces. Thanks for the reply.

JR

I could have helped also, Im in NJ