DIY Cambelt / Timing Belt Change???

[Fat Audi 80]

This has been discussed a lot and I have read quite a few of the threads and guides etc.

Money being a bit tight at the moment, I am thinking about doing this myself at home. It appears the hardest parts are obtaining the correct locking tool (mine is ABY with AC) and undoing the crank bolt.

What is the general concencus on this? I am handy enough with the spanners and have done the front and rear subframe rebuilds, engine and gearbox mounts etc.

Are there any other specialist tools required, what are the major pitfalls?

Is there anything to be scared of and what advice can other DIY cambelt changes give me?

Thanks,

Steve

[DJones]

This has been discussed a lot and I have read quite a few of the threads and guides etc.

Money being a bit tight at the moment, I am thinking about doing this myself at home. It appears the hardest parts are obtaining the correct locking tool (mine is ABY with AC) and undoing the crank bolt.

What is the general concencus on this? I am handy enough with the spanners and have done the front and rear subframe rebuilds, engine and gearbox mounts etc.

Are there any other specialist tools required, what are the major pitfalls?

Is there anything to be scared of and what advice can other DIY cambelt changes give me?

Thanks,

Steve

Just take your time it's not a hard job, you will need a 3/4 drive socket though 1/2 will just snap on the bottom bolt.

Darren.

[AndyP]

You really need to borrow the lockiing tool and a HUGE 3/4" breaker bar for the crank bolt. If you can get these it's fairly straight forward, just follow Paul's guide.

FWIW I'd change the bolt and crank pulley, the bolt is about £8 and the pulley £35 I think. You only change the cambelt every 5 years so I'd say it's cheap insurance.

[UrS4boy]

You need to acquire (buy, borrow or rent) the crank lock tool and the crank nut/torque wrench lengthening tool. You will also need a 3/4" torque wrench. Take your time and follow the various DIY instructions carefully. On our side of the pond, with the AANs, we tend to use this DIY:

http://12v.org/urs/FredMsTimingBeltR&RDIY.pdf

You guys probably use Paul N's (S2central.net's) DIY:

http://s2central.net/Timing_Belt_Renewal_Rev1.pdf

More Timing Belt info including PNs other DIY links here:

http://forums.quattroworld.com/s4s6/msgs/23002.phtml

[Rikki Kitto]

I've got someones crank locking tool can't remember who's PM me your address I'll post it to you then when we find out who's it is you can post it back to them sorted

[Fat Audi 80]

I've got someones crank locking tool can't remember who's PM me your address I'll post it to you then when we find out who's it is you can post it back to them sorted

Sounds like a great start! Thanks.

I will let you know as soon as I have taken the plunge.

I have already scoped out 1000mm long 3/4 breaker bars

[Error404]

If you need a hand with it Steve drop me a line

[johne]

Steve, equally, happy to help.

I've done my belt twice and each time I locked the crank by removing the flywheel tooth counting sensor and locked the flywheel ring gear. I know the purists won't agree with me but it's worked fine so far.

Agree that you need the 3/4 socket and bar to undo the crank bolt although then again I've managed twice with a 1/2 inch one and one breakage I now have a 3/4 one waiting for the next time.......

I would recommend changing the waterpump at the same time given that it's not expensive - well at least a GSF or ECP patten part isn't, which is what I've used with no problems.

John

[Monkeymagic]

I'm thinking about doing mine soon too. The front end has got to come off to fit the Roose hoses I have just bought.

I have done hundreds of cam belts but never one of these.
I have a crank counter hold tool for a 5 cylinder t4 van does anyone know if it fits? Steven.

[terrybullwon]

If you need a torque wrench to tighten it up with I have one

[Fat Audi 80]

Thanks James....

[s2driveruk]

If you need a torque wrench to tighten it up with I have one

He does....its bloody huge but made easy work of mine

[K Simmonds]

I have a crank counter hold tool for a 5 cylinder t4 van does anyone know if it fits? Steven.

It should do the job just fine but you'll probably have to wedge it against the floor or the the stub mount as opposed to it locking nicely on TDC like with the correct tool. I used the one I made (which fits all 1980/90's Audi I5's) on my T4, should be much the same the other way around.

This really is an easy job with the right tools, you can get away with a 1/2" drive torque wrench if you use the 200 nm + 180 degree's method. A 3/4" drive breaker bar and deep 27 mm socket is especial in my book.

[Fat Audi 80]

If you need a hand with it Steve drop me a line

Thanks Alex, I am about to commit myself and order the parts and tools. I appreciate the offer and will let you know.

[Fat Audi 80]

If you need a hand with it Steve drop me a line

Thanks Alex, I am about to commit myself and order the parts and tools. I appreciate the offer and will let you know.

Cheers,

Steve