2001 Tdi 130 tensioer bolt snapping

[rattlyspassat]

Hi,
I have a 2001 Passat tdi 130 which i recently replaced the auxillary belt idler/tensioer due to idt being very noisy, sinec the the long allen headed bolt that runs through the tensioner has snapped THREE times!!!!..each time after approx two weeks???...I own a MOT/repairs garage and also fitted the same type of tensioner on a taxi a couple of weeks ago, working on the principle that the taxi will do more miles in a few days than i`ll do in a two weeks i checked the taxi idler and it`s still ok!...hence something on my car is causing it to go after a certain mileage???...but what is it???...any ideas??
Cheers.
rattly

[kenney]

Hi Never heard of that one before. Were these original VW parts ? Do you know if the alternator has a free wheel?a faulty free wheel can cause various problems among other things a noisy auxillary belt,and in most cases the first thing one replaces is the belt tensioning element,to no avail. I dont know if a faulty free wheel would put extra strain on the bolt that is breaking,might be worh having a look at.

[rattlyspassat]

Hi,
Cheers for that...i don`t think the alt is free wheel, but my next move is a genuine (although Ena, the ones i`ve been using make them for VW) tensioner and belt and replace the alternator as well. I have been wondering if the new aux belt i fitted originally is slightly too short and putting too much tension on the tensioner??..hence the thought of an original belt etc.
Cheers,
rattly... www.hotrodtees.co.uk

[kenney]

Yes that would do it You can check if the tensioner is flexible i would imagine if the belt was too short you would have had a hell of a job fitting it.

[rattlyspassat]

Excactly what i thought, belt went on fine, clutching at straws really!!

[rattlyspassat]

Hi,
Finally got there after 4 tensioners!!..oredered a genuine VW tensioner but it`s EXCACTLY the same as the ENA one ordered from our parts supplier, only twice the price!!!..fitted a new alternator and things have been fine for the last 3000 miles..so looks like the clutch in the alternator was the problem!!
Also, bought a £30 plug in chip from Germany (arrived in 2days!!) and what a difference....goes like a rocket and is doing over 50mpg!!
Cheers,
rattly

[daveo138]

That £30 chip sounds amazing.

Any details?

[rattlyspassat]

Hi,
I bought it from Germany through UK ebay, the sellers current ad is item number; 370052991640....the price seems to have gone up a bit though, but still VERY much worth it....i had to e-mail him for the correct one as my 130 wasn`t listed as per this ad, came in 2 days, 5 mins to fit and what a massive difference, boot it and the traction control goes mental....
Cheers,
rattly