Timing Belt Hydraulic Tensioner/Damper

[stu_rat]

Should the hydraulic tensioner/damper be changed when the timing belt is changed? I see that some timing belt kits include the hydraulic tensioner/damper, and some don't.

[Crasher]

It does not have to be changed, if it is not leaking and still works then you can take a chance on it.

[FrenchAudi]

In about 2008, Continental replaced the original hydraulic tensioning pulley in their kits with a mechanical pulley tensioned by a spring.

This information is on the forum - somewhere - I copied it and saved the Continental bulletin, but didn't bookmark the post.

I just found the information HERE

EDIT: Link for the PDF of the information is at the bottom of the page.

The old kit part no. is CT 909 K5, the new one is CT 909 K10.

Also, when replacing my timing belt kit (I fitted the hydraulic tensioner before I found out about the update), I found that the tensioner pulley previously installed did not line up with the belt.

It was exactly the same design, but had a built-in 6 mm spacer on the back instead of a 3 mm one, so the belt was riding partly off the pulley.

My supplier had both pulleys, so I was able to exchange for the correct one.

[Crasher]

If it still has the pre 5/99 system with the horrid adjuster these had then I would convert the later system using an VAG kit number 058 198 119 and damper 058 109 479 B. I looked at doing the friction damper conversion on Mrs Crashers 2006 Polo GTI as oddly it still used the later hydraulic conversion. My Octavia had the late hydraulic system but when I bought the fuel exchange engine is was fitted with the friction system which I continued with six years later when I did the cam belt.

[Col]

This is interesting.

The Wifies 2001 Golf with an ASZ has the hateful damper setup.

I did try and see if I could convert to the later friction setup as fitted to my AWX engined Passat but it would have required a new hole drilled and tapped in the block. That was a big nope on the transverse engined Golf.

So.... is there an aftermarket kit for the ASZ?

Brilliant news if there is. The belt is due soon'ish and I always dread doing these, especially due to the sodding engine mount!

[Crasher]

The ole is in the head, stick with the hydraulic system, by the next time it needs one, the car will be history.