justin8

Replaced the timing belt a couple of months ago in my 2001 s4 and about a week ago it was loosened up and was slapping against the case.

So, replaced the tensioning damper and within a couple of days it was loose again.

Did I just get a bad tensioning damper or could it be something else that's causing it to loosen up?

Any ideas would be great as it's a PITA to get to.

Thanks,

Justin

K04-S4

How is the water pump shaft play ?

Did you replace the two rollers as well ?

Did you follow Bentley Manual or equiv tensioning procedure ?

justin8

Thanks for the response.

I replaced the rollers with the timing belt about 2 months ago – is there any way they could cause the belt to loosen up.

I didn't check the water pump shaft play, but didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Also, I followed the procedure listed here: audi-forums.com/b5-forum/47731-s4-timing-belt-diy.html and triple checked to make sure it was on properly and tight all the way around.

Any idea what the cause could be – will be taking the car apart in a couple of days again.

Thanks,

Justin

K04-S4

Perhaps check all T-Belt rolling component's shaft play including WP, then re-check tensioner. Also suggest use lock bar & crank pin.

Ecmbuster

Waste of time. Use the OEM tools and an OEM belt or expect top end destruction. (So far you're lucky)
That mentioned thread with the instructions isn't the way to accomplish that task.
Front bumper cover removal, yes but removing the rad support NO.
Once the rad support is ready, install two long grade 9 bolts at the opening where each bumper shock is bolted onto.
All you need to do is slip the entire rad support on the two bolts mounted on each side. I've slipped in two plastic blocks between the frame and rad support to maintain that position. That is called "Service Position"
Replace those aftermarket parts with OEM, using OEM or similar cam shaft (3391) and crank shaft tools.
The crank sensor requires removal to "Lock" the crank in position with the correct tool. (3242)
Using the harmonic balancer pointer as a reference is a recipe for disaster.
Use a puller to "break" loose the cams on the taper after the bolts are loosened. (T40001)

Both cam sprockets need to be loose on the tapered cams during installation.
The belt is adjusted first, them the cam bolts are torqued later. REMOVE ALL tools and rotate the engine twice. INSTALL ALL tools and recheck.
Do it right the first time!

K04-S4

What he said!

We use two custom cut 45 ends of 2x6 for Service Position... works perfect