2nd Full Timing Belt Service - Crankshaft Timing Sprocket Key

[njpcyclist]

2000 , A6 Avant, 2.8 Tip, 161,000 miles. Original owner.
I'm about to do 2nd full timing belt service. Last TB service was done at 90,000. At last service Crank and Camshaft seals were dry and were not replaced. This time I have an ECS ultimate plus kit that includes crank and cam seals, just in case.
I've read postings about how removal of the crank bolt could result in spinning the crank pulley and destroying the key and keyway. This happens even with the crank pin installed. Something about the crank bolt itself corroding onto the sprocket. Blauparts actually suggests leaving the crank bolt & seal alone if there is no sign of leakage.
I'm assuming this has happened often enough for them to post this warning on their site. Have any of you had this happen?
If I do find the crank seal is weeping & needs to be replaced, is there any way to hold the crank sprocket to prevent it from spinning when I attempt to remove that damn bolt, that's been in place for 16 years.
Thanks for advice.

[Battle_Tested]

Use a crank pin to lock the crank in place. Just make sure its seated all the way and you will be golden. Do a google search for audi crank pin ..

[njpcyclist]

Use a crank pin to lock the crank in place. Just make sure its seated all the way and you will be golden. Do a google search for audi crank pin ..

Thanks. I do have both the crank lock pin, and cam lock bar. But according to what I've read the crank lock pin won't prevent this from happening. If you go to Blauparts site and read the warning it says corrosion and possibly thread lock compound will cause the bolt to spin the sprocket when you unscrew it. This will destroy the undersized key on the sprocket. And could also damage the keyway on the end of the crankshaft. Not a good thing.
Just wondering how frequently this has happened for Blauparts to post a warning. And if it can be avoided.

[4rings2turbos]

I think it is very uncommon if not isolated. The crank sprocket and crank are super robust. Having done almost a dozen jobs on these motors I wouldn't consider it a risk.

You could always get some penetrating oil in there and give the bolt head some taps with a hammer if you're really concerned.

[a4kamila6]

I see what you are saying and you are right, it can happen but if you do what is mentioned above, you shall be fine.

[bpark1210]

As long as you have a crank lock pin you're fine. No chance of messing the key way as the crank bolt sits outside w/ a flush mounting surface for the bolt. The only chance of screwing the key way is when removing the old seal as it's tough one to get a good grip on. Look through on my build thread and you'll see what I'm talking about. The crank pin needs to be properly seated which means double checking, triple checking before attempting to muscle the crankbolt/sprocket loose.

If it was your 1st TB job I'd say prob leave it alone but now hitting over the 150k mark it's only a matter of time before the seal could start leaking. Might as well do it right when you're in there. Also note even though the ECS Ult kit provides the seal they do not provide a new crank bolt which is a torque to yield bolt, you absolutely should install a new crank bolt w/ the seal. Seal goes in dry and should sit for a couple hours to get seated properly.

[4rings2turbos]

You guys are kind of missing it. The keyway could get jacked up if the bolt was fused to the sprocket. The crank pin will do nothing in this situation.

But I really think you'll be fine op.

[njpcyclist]

You guys are kind of missing it. The keyway could get jacked up if the bolt was fused to the sprocket. The crank pin will do nothing in this situation.

But I really think you'll be fine op.

Exactly...
Since the crank bolt has not moved in 16 years, apparently there is the chance it becomes fused to the sprocket. It sounds unlikely. But has apparently happened often enough that Blauparts has a technical warning on their site.
I appreciate the input from you guys who have done a TB service many times more than I have.