Grenade pin

[Osmosis]

I was a bit confused on the grenade pin. I think from all the videos I've been watching is the pin that holds the damper down in the hydraulic tensioner. I have 20 K on my timing belt, but I am replacing the water pump, thermostat and the belt. How do I use or re-use the hydraulic tensioner. Do i purchase a new hydraulic tensioner with grenade pin & fork out another 150 bones for a new one Or do I re-use the old tensioner that has 20-25K miles on it?

[glennda5id]

You can use an Allen key instead of the pin. Find the biggest one that will fit in the hole. Then use the idler tensioner pulley to compress the tensioner. I think you use a 6mm hex. Compress very slowly. Once compressed insert the Allen key.

[Osmosis]

Thanks for the reply. That's exactly what I did to test for possibly re-use of this part. My question is how reliable are these dampeners? Should I use the old one that has 40K miles on it or purchase a new one? IF this part is prone to failure @ certain mileage, then I will get a new one. If not..... Hmmmmm, I may use the old. Just not familiar with Audi's yet.

[glennda5id]

The old Subaru EJ22 used a very similar part and people almost always reused them and they lasted 300k. If it is an OE part I can't see it not lasting until your next timing belt job which should be in 50k miles or so.

Compressing them slowly is key. Spend a good couple of minutes and apply very little pressure.

[Osmosis]

The dampener is a NTN brand. I put it in a vice and compressed it with a small socket. I think I will opt for a new one. I put an allen wrench in the hole, then back in the vise and let the tension off by relieving the tension while opening the vise. I did not open the vise super fast, but from reading ...Think a new one is in order :(