A couple timing belt R&R tips

[brian hoeft]

I'm not sure I completely comprehend what you're indicating. I have
personally done dozens of t-belt's/tensioners with that particular hydraulic
tensioner, with only the water pump or roller bearing failing before the
next interval. I am not a big fan of that tensioner because personally I
find it applies too much belt tension, and being hydraulic, lends itself to
failure from manufacturer defect. From the horror stories people have
brought me and reading forum posts, I think what you're referring to is the
result of less than competent technicians doing the following (wrong)..

If the daring customer demands it, or the derelict tech imposes re-using the
old hydraulic tensioner, overly compressing the piston could be one of the
issues. The plunger/piston will either be held compressed by a pin or
notched plate. Putting in a vice and compressing needs to be done carefully
so it goes in straight and only far enough for the pin or plate to be
inserted to hold compressed. If compressed too far or askew, it compromises
the seal.

Also, when doing the final install and time comes to pull the pin, it is
possible for the plunger to over extend, if instead, it goes through a notch
in the plate its supposed to touch on the roller. This is debatable because
as the engine starts, stops, runs, that plunger will likely go through the
full range of motion anyway, im just being particular.

Sorry, not near Toronto.. Northeast Pennsylvania.. The 200 is only slightly
less than what I typically charge (for labor only) and he didnt need/want
the cam/crank seals replaced which would have upped the ante a bit. Usually
parts&labor from me on 1.8T t-belts are about $600/700 if I remember
correctly. People have gotten away with less by bringing me their internet
cheapo "kits", and they were the ones that had early bearing/water pump
failures.. Then had to buy the good part and labor again before they learned
that valuable lesson.

Hope I answered your question, maybe someone else could chime in and add to
it..

-Brian


.


On Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 10:18 AM, Hayes Myers <hayesmyers at gmail.com> wrote:

> My mechanic told me many people mess up the tensioner application...it  has
> to be pretensioned (if i remember correctly) or it ends up being useless and
> then seeing premature failure...something to that effect.  200 is a great
> deal...you live near Toronto??  I paid 1k out the door for mine and was
> quite happy ...other little things done along with the t-belt though...but
> seemingly less than most people have been quoted. I did the timing on my 200
> with lots of help from the Escarpment Audi Crew... didn't want to mess with
> my A4 though.
>
> Can you correct what i've just indicated if wrong? It was something to that
> effect with regard to setting the tensioner correctly at install.
>
> cheers.
>