Newbie needs help please

[colinmackie]

HELLO, I have a 2002 a4 2.oltr,just stated getting a noise/vibratiion from near front engine,i can see the belt tensioner and has a slight wobble,is this normal? The noise only lasts a few minutes when cold/or putting in gear/turning power steering. I sprayed abit of wd 40 in this area and it went quite for a short time only. Any ideas? Thanks Colin

[GeorgeE]

The tensioner assembly is a bit of a weak point, well, actually it is the one way clutch on the alternator that is the weak point that then transfers shock loads to the tensioner and wrecks that as well. I'd change the clutch pulley on the alternator and the tensioner assembly and you will probably be fine (don't even think about doing one without the other). Not a difficult job and can be done without putting the slam panel into its "service" position if you are reasonably flexible, though getting the old pulley off the alternator needs a special tool (most auto electrical places will do it for you if you give them a tenner).

[rhencullen1989]

Yep, just to confirm above, i did my 1.8T alternator one way pulley in August, i did not do the tensioner though, £80 ish from TPS, and you do need a special tool to undo the pulley, and it's really tight.

[A4flyer]

Hi Guys ,

The tensioner fixing bolt attached to the engine block sheared off on my 2002 TDI Q this summer and lost PS ,WATER PUMP etc. All the belts came off their pulley wheels and ended up in a twisted mess. No harm to get the tensioner checked out ,they can be troublesome.