[s-cars] Bullet Dodging 101 - Phew!

[Robert Myers]

Hi Y'all,

This lazy bald-headed old fart took his urS6 in to see the wrench today for 
a new timing belt.  The belt is, as expected, still in good 
condition.  Preventive maintenance, dontchaknow.  My favorite wrench is 
located 120 miles from my home.  I made the run up there in almost exactly 
90 minutes including two construction areas.

While removing the belt - "Hmmmm - the toothed belt pulley is a bit loose 
on the end of the crank shaft - let's pull that sucker out of there and 
have a look at it."

The pulley came out nicely and exposed the fact that the key which locks 
the pulley has been nearly completely sheared off.  A light touch pulling 
on the key with a finger tip broke it off into my hands.  There couldn't 
have been more than 0.01 mm of metal holding the key in 
place.  Additionally, there is evidence of some rubbing of the pulley 
against its seat on the crank.  It has been shifting its position 
(rotationally) by nearly the width of the key (or about 1.5 
belt  teeth).  This is more than enough to have an effect on the timing.

If that key had completely sheared off it would have had the effect of a 
broken belt.  The condition it was in has me wondering if I'd have even 
made it home.  A new pulley is ordered and will be here tomorrow.

It appears that sometimes the Audi gods are generous.  Do you suppose they 
are just building me up for an even bigger letdown?


Bob
Http://Chips-Ur-S.com