Stripped threads on v6 TDI BAU (Drive belt mounting plate part)

[IJD]

Having a LOT of bad luck with my new (to me) Audi Allroad.

Cut a long story short. The thread which holds the drive belt idler pulley to the aluminium engine plate / cover bit has stripped its threads.

Should I replace the cover, or just drill and helicoil it?

Cheers

Ian

[Doctle Odd]

There was a thread on this site about that issue a few weeks ago. Crasher said the plate needs changing and it's pointless using a helicoil IMO

[IJD]

I'm also after a new Idler pulley too.

Wheres the best place to go for these parts? (Pulley and Plate).

Should I buy new? Second hand? Scrap Yard? - Im worried that I may buy a used part, and the threads be ruined on that too, and end up back at square 1!

[Doctle Odd]

Give these guys a ring, I'd be wary of a used one as well VW Audi Seat Skoda Specialists | Parts Service Modifications

[IJD]

Managed to find a new INA pulley cheap online, so thats ordered.

Been thinking about the threads... may take it to a local engineering firm who welds aluminium. If I get him to fill the hole with weld, I can then drill it out and re tap to the correct size. Cant see why it wouldn't work?

[Doctle Odd]

Might work if the hole is in the right place

[vwcabriolet1971]

Check bolt for correct size tap - might be fine thread.