cam belt position is looking odd

[newsh]

Oops, I see you got there already

[John.]

As far as I know it's only ABY/ADU engines which have this magic diamond coated washer....

Ok to re-use ? Does it wear out/compress??

[K Simmonds]

Ok to re-use ? Does it wear out/compress??

Not 100% sure John, I've replaced one once and reused two, all cars went back together and ran fine never giving any problems. Really can't see it compressing, how durable the surface is I honestly don't know.

[John.]

Not 100% sure John, I've replaced one once and reused two, all cars went back together and ran fine never giving any problems. Really can't see it compressing, how durable the surface is I honestly don't know.

Got my ABY belt to do soon, will inspect the washer.

[Tractor Dave]

If the washer feels smooth I would replace it.
Apparently Audi introduced the washer after catastrophic engine failures. I seem to remember reading a thread here before that claimed they were introduced in late model 3b engines. If you look on 7zap, it states they were fitted on AAN, ABY and ADU engines and others? But that's not always accurate. When fitted in the recess of the sprocket, as Kit says, the washer contacts the end of the crank and the damper, reducing stress on the key, which we all know is the weak point in the oe set up.

[Tractor Dave]

Screenshot_2022-04-05-07-31-12.png

[B5NUT]

Few months back when I was talking to Mark at Automark I asked him about the lower pulley and he said some of the aftermarket pulleys he had seen over the years had caused belts not to run true and the teeth not being machined correctly and would grind away at the belt. So whatever you do get a good known aftermarket pulley like chefs or the OEM one which is still available. I went with the OEM pulley mainly due to money and was also told that if the bolt is torqued correctly then there should be no strain on the keyway so it should not shear.

One question about your tool, which looks very good. I see you it modified for when you remove the bolt but what about when you tighten it where does the tool rest against?

On my PAS pump I have a similar amount of end float, as was told it normal. So as long as it's not chucking out the fluid then you are good.

[B5NUT]

It's interesting the washer is not shown on the etka drawing. However Etka contradicts it's self.

This is the list it gives for the washer
1-list.jpg

Yet in the description it states ABY only for the Coupe & Avant model!
2-aby.jpg

However if you go into another model like the A6 then ABY description is removed
2-noaby.jpg

So anyone with a late 3b engine Coupe or Avant and has gone by Etka would never fit one!

Have to say on these older cars I don't trust Etka anymore. There have been quite a few replacement parts (mainly Nuts, bolts and washers) that just don't fit, as I guess they never checked or compare them physically.

[S2_avant 19930325]

Few months back when I was talking to Mark at Automark I asked him about the lower pulley and he said some of the aftermarket pulleys he had seen over the years had caused belts not to run true and the teeth not being machined correctly and would grind away at the belt. So whatever you do get a good known aftermarket pulley like chefs or the OEM one which is still available. I went with the OEM pulley mainly due to money and was also told that if the bolt is torqued correctly then there should be no strain on the keyway so it should not shear.

One question about your tool, which looks very good. I see you it modified for when you remove the bolt but what about when you tighten it where does the tool rest against?

On my PAS pump I have a similar amount of end float, as was told it normal. So as long as it's not chucking out the fluid then you are good.

Thanks on info on the PAS pump , just wonder , as a couple of people says , its common for it to leak a bit , i just wonder there must be something to do about that. Where does it leak mostly ??

Thats the good part of it on the tool i did. very simple tool , can post a drawing on it. You put the lever on the underside when you fasten the bolt. I will grind at the side that goes to the block so the angle against the block gets flat when its time to fasten. 20220405_090336.jpg

[S2_avant 19930325]

Only the diamond washer should be there as Kit says. It's nla but a guy in Germany makes them and available on ebay.de.
The bolt was still available at Audi Tradition last year. I don't recommend the febi bolt as the collar is much smaller.

Did you have a number on the bolt ? Cant find it.

[Tractor Dave]

N0101432

Looks like they have sold out at Tradition. Try your Audi dealer.

[S2_avant 19930325]

There is a brand called SWAG , that has the bolt . Do you know anything about the brand ?

[K Simmonds]

If the washer feels smooth I would replace it.
Apparently Audi introduced the washer after catastrophic engine failures. I seem to remember reading a thread here before that claimed they were introduced in late model 3b engines. If you look on 7zap, it states they were fitted on AAN, ABY and ADU engines and others? But that's not always accurate. When fitted in the recess of the sprocket, as Kit says, the washer contacts the end of the crank and the damper, reducing stress on the key, which we all know is the weak point in the oe set up.

That's interesting info, thanks Dave, I'm sure I've probably read the same thread as you at some point, I just can't recall it, never seen one on a 3B and I had a very late NG Coupe and that also didn't have one. I would agree that it would be best to just replace it and be sure things are done properly, given the connotation's of any sort of keyway failure. I guess it's okay to reuse it perhaps once but given that we don't actually know I'm 100% going to renew the one on my RS2 and any other engines where I encounter one on disassembly from now on and would suggest others do the same for the sake of a few £/$/E.

It would have helped matters if Audi hadn't decided to make the bottom pulleys out of recycled toy soldiers or whatever that crappy alloy is they used as well as provided info that's easier to decipher.

OP, I don't know anything about the bolt made by SWAG, however as long as the head looks identical with the same width shoulder and it's rated 12.9 I'd imagine it's perfectly fine. I would still rather use a genuine one but if that's not possible then you have to go with what you can get.

[Tractor Dave]

There is a brand called SWAG , that has the bolt . Do you know anything about the brand ?

Check the collar size is identical to original. The Febi bolt is much smaller.

[B5NUT]

I take it the ABY bolt won't work on the 3B or other engines?