Timing belt damper seized?

[Spugnut]

Hi everyone, my first post but have been nosing around the forums for a while now...
...Replaced the timing belt/tensioner etc etc about 10k miles ago which among other obvious benefits also got rid of a load chirping noise that was coming from that area...Result.:D

However, the noise is now back:aargh4:....only when the engine has warmed up...Its a chirping belt sort of noise. Slack/skipping belt was my first thought so I checked out the tensioner. It is virtually impossible to rotate anticlockwise as the manual suggests (to slacken belt and insert pin). It is easy it rotate the other way, adding extra tension to the belt, but the piston never moves to adjust so the tensioner just falls back to its starting position...Are they supposed to "react" quickly or do I have a failing damper/piston?

...eek, almost forgot, 1999 A4 B5 APU 1.8T (Need to get a sig sorted :Blush2:)

[docurley]

I would not take any chance have it looked at straight away because if you belts snapes or jumps you will have a dead engine.

[Spugnut]

Bought another damper and will hopefully fit tonight...car has started to run a bit rough, feels like random misfiring, but no CEL or codes. Maybe any under tensioning is throwing my timing out slightly?

Also, looks like the belt is hanging over the front edge of the cam pulley by about 1mm...not looking good!:(

[docurley]

I would slap on a new belt as it may have worn or stretched.

[Spugnut]

Thanks Docurley, have now sorted the tensioner & cambelt...rough running has remained though...have now moved on to the famous 1.8T oil problem...such joy!

[docurley]

May just new sparks may help or you might have a MAF issue.