A6 Cam chain tensioners

[Kent McLean]

Bill Shaw wrote:
> Are there normally any problems with the cam chain tensioners on a '99 
> A6 2/8L?

http://www.12v.org/engine/index.php?section=cl&view=tbelt

The water pump is driven off the cam belt, and when it breaks, it does
bad things.  The rule of thumb is to replace the water pump every other
timing belt change (if you change the belt at 60K miles). Or this one,
if you don't know when it was changed previously.

The tensioning pulley and idler pulley are more robust. I guess
replacing them with the water pump is "cheap" insurance. Some people
have managed to replace the pulley's bearings with generic parts, to
reduce costs. (Know, I don't have part numbers.)

-- 
Kent McLean
'94 100S Avant, "Moody"
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" up in smoke