Cam belt conundrum

[Rob69]

Good effort for persevering with the job through to the end!!

[Chewmyr00t]

Thanks. I'm not going to lie though, there were moments when I was just going scrap it.

[Jimbob21]

Hi,

I had my belt changed recently and was told by my local Audi dealer that there have been a lot of problems with the belt tensioner bolt stripping the thread on the alloy block and if the belt is changed to ensure that you check the thread on the tensioner pulley before you reassemble. They did not elaborate on what Audi do if they find that the nut has stripped the thread from the block but i suspect that the only alternative is to re thread the block to a M10 and have a new bolt made with a M10 thread on 1 end and M8 on the end where the tensioner sits. Hope this information may be helpful.

[FrenchAudi]

I think a more reliable solution would be to use a Helicoil (or similar) thread insert and use a new standard M8 stud.

That will result in less wear on the female thread if the stud is inadvertently unscrewed from the block, which may be a contributing factor leading to the failure.

[niall campbell]

Seen an A 3 have this problem also

[Chewmyr00t]

When I dropped the head into the work shop, they were all to aware of the sh!t M8 thread that Audi use. I Had the block drilled to accommodate an oversized stepped stud (twice the diameter) with a M10 thread both ends.

If your in the Lincolnshire area and have the same issue, I would recommend Northern Road Service and Engineering Centre Ltd - Car Servicing Newark | MOT Newark | Bingham Garage | Engine Repair Specialists Nottingham. for rework on your cylinder head