Reasons Behind Camshaft Tensioner Leaks of Audi in Plano
by europewpadmin March 12, 2019Most Audi vehicles use a camshaft tensioner. This tensioner is the component that the timing chain is driven through. It keeps various belts tight and makes sure that they have the proper tension. It uses pressurized hydraulic oil to maintain tension on the timing belt. It ensures that the valves that supply the fuel and remove the exhaust function properly. If the camshaft tensioner has an oil leak your timing belt will fail and your engine can experience accelerated wear.
Warning Signs of a Camshaft Tensioner Leak in Your Audi
There are many places that can experience an oil leak in a vehicle. If the leak is coming from the camshaft tensioner, you may notice some of these common symptoms.
Strange Sounds
A loose timing belt can cause grinding and ticking noises. This can be caused by a tensioner leak as well as a worn out tensioner pulley.
Abnormal Belt Wear
Belts can wear out due to old age, but a leaking tensioner can also cause the belt to wear prematurely. It can cause fraying on the edges of the belt, and the belt could break.
Acceleration Issues
You may begin to notice that your engine is behaving oddly. This usually happens while you are accelerating and the engine reaches between 2000-4000 RPM.
Belt-Driven Component Failure
There are many components that are controlled by the belt system. If they begin to fail there is a chance that it is due to a leaking camshaft tensioner. Your timing belt could break leading to AC failure, a dead battery, and even an overheating engine.
Engine Won’t Start
If the timing belt breaks, your engine will not start. Also, pieces of the broken belt can get stuck inside the engine leading to an even larger and more costly component failure.
Exhaust Fumes
Smoke or abnormal fumes coming from your exhaust can be an indication that your timing belt is worn and needs to be replaced.
Check Engine Light
If there is an issue with the camshaft tensioner, it may trigger your check engine light. Bring your Audi into us, and we can run a diagnostic scan that will determine why your check engine light came on.
Common Causes of Camshaft Tensioner Failure
Daily Wear
Just as with all moving parts in your vehicle the tensioner will experience wear. Having poor lubrication and continuous use can damage the rollers disrupting the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft.
Overstretching
The tensioner can become overstretched, and this will lead to improper movement of the belt. This will cause the engine to run rough, in turn, the piston can strike and damage the valves.
Not Changing the Oil
It is important to stay up on regular maintenance, and this includes changing the oil. Old oil can have a lot of debris buildup. These unwanted particles can stick between the rollers causing damage and disrupt the movement of the camshaft and crankshaft.
Regular Maintenance
Audis are known for having camshaft tensioner leaks, but you can help to keep your car running smoothly and safely by performing maintenance. Allowing European Auto Tech to service your vehicle regularly allows us to prevent future issues and locate existing issues before they become major repair expenses.
Trust Us With Your Camshaft Tensioner Repair
Here at European Auto Tech, we have helped drivers in the Plano, TX area for over 18 years. We are able to offer you dealership-quality service without the dealership prices. We are proud to have established our reputation for honesty, quality, and expertise.
We have the latest tools and equipment available, so we can diagnose and fix your problems right the first time. Our mechanics are experts in their field and are continually learning more about the latest developments and advancements in the industry so that they can provide you with the best possible service.
Give us a Call Today
If the camshaft tensioner is leaking in your Audi, or if you are interested in other services, give us a call today. We provide special offers and fair pricing on all services and repairs. You can reach our European Auto Tech, Plano TX office at 972-351-8964 or come see us at 3953 N. Central Expy.
