1.8T tensioner failure predictions

[Stephen Kormilo]

At 08:02 AM 03/06/02 -0400, you wrote:

>Subject: 1.8T tensioner failure predictions
>To: quattro at audifans.com
>From: "Darrell Adams" <adamsdr at us.ibm.com>
>Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2002 17:55:49 -0600
>
>Does anyone know if you can tell when the timing belt tensioner is causing
>a problem with the timing belt, or does it go all at once?  I appear to
>have the same one as the original on this write-up:
>http://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/750523.phtml
>However,  the car has aprox. 43K miles, and the belt looks fine to me. no
>cracks or odd wear marks that I can tell.  I don't know how urgent this is,
>and I have to prioritize my time with this possible problem, and getting my
>engine back in my Corrado. I'm dying drive something that's really fast
>again.

AFAIK, the tensioners fail without much warning, although a few people have
reported some 'squeaking' type noises.  The condition of the belt itself is
irrelevant since it is the tensioner that fails, taking the belt with
it.  I'm a little surprised that your '99 still has the old tensioner.  I
was under the impression that the new design tensioner was put into service
by the '99 MY.  I suppose that you looked at the picture in:

http://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/750710.phtml

to draw your conclusion.  If so, you are starting to get really close to
replacement time.  Most of the T-belt tensioner failure reports I have seen
start at ~50,000 miles.  Of course YMMV, but it's an expensive fix.  I
presume that your A4 is now out of warranty.

>thanks!
>
>'89 90Q
>'90 G60
>'99 1.8TQ
>
>Darrell Adams
>Configuration Management
>External 303-924-8324 Tie 263-8324
>
>"Linux will set you free" - me


Stephen Kormilo                            Silver 2002 Audi A4 3.0QM
		     Now departed:   Silver '98.5 Audi A4 2.8QM
Instructor, Electronics Technology
Red River College
Winnipeg, MB
CANADA

email: skormilo at rrc.mb.ca
OR
           stephen at kormilo.ca