Many Audi vehicles have a camshaft tensioner. This component maintains the proper tension on the timing belt. In order to do so, it requires pressurized hydraulic oil. If the camshaft tensioner experiences a leak, the belt can fail, and your engine can suffer damage.
Symptoms of a Camshaft Tensioner Leak
Vehicles use many different types of lubricants to maintain function and temperature. So, if the camshaft tensioner is leaking, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms.
Car Won’t Start
When the timing belt breaks, your Audi will not start. If you notice a leak, you will want to have it checked before the belt fails. If it breaks in motion, pieces of it can break off and enter into the engine, which could cause catastrophic damage.
Engine Hesitates or Stumbles
When you try to accelerate, you may notice that your engine isn’t behaving correctly. If the issue is due to a camshaft tensioner leak, it usually happens between 2000-4000 RPMs.
Unusual Exhaust Emissions
If strange fumes or smoke are coming out of the exhaust, this can be an indication of a tensioner leak. Your timing belt may be experiencing abnormal wear, so it may need replacement.
Odd Sounds
If you hear grinding or ticking noises, they could be from a loose timing belt. When the camshaft tensioner loses pressure, it is unable to provide proper traction, which causes odd sounds. The noises could also be caused by a damaged tensioner pulley.
Irregular Belt Wear
When the hydraulic oil leaks and the camshaft tensioner isn’t working properly, it can cause premature belt wear. Belts may begin to fray on the edges or break.
Belt-Driven Accessory Failure
The belt systems control many of your engine’s components. When the belts are not spinning correctly, components may begin to fail. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause severe engine damage, AC failure, or a dead battery.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Your check engine light can be triggered by many different problems including a problem with the camshaft tensioner. Don’t let your check engine light go undiagnosed. Doing so can lead to more damage that could’ve been prevented at less cost to you. Our expert technicians will run a diagnostic check to determine the cause and quickly repair any problem.
Causes of Camshaft Tensioner Failure
Skipping Your Oil Change
Your oil needs to be changed regularly. Old oil gets dirty and can cause buildup. The debris in the oil can cause damage to the camshaft and crankshaft.
Everyday Wear
Every moving part of your car experiences wear. The camshaft tensioner is no different. Everyday use can cause damage to the rollers, which disrupts the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft.
Overstretching
Due to contraction and expansion, the tensioner can become overstretched. When this happens, the belt will not move properly. The engine will run rough, causing the piston to hit and damage the valves.
Follow Your Maintenance Schedule
To keep your Audi running smoothly, stay up to date on your maintenance schedule. Performing regular maintenance helps to prevent future issues and costly repairs. Our certified Audi technicians will provide a thorough inspection and will look for any issues that may could major repairs. We want to catch an issue before it becomes a major problem for you.
Trust the Pros
At 4 Rings European Autowerx, we provide high-quality service to all of our customers. We take great pride in every job that we perform. We offer a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty on our services and repairs. You do not have to take your Audi to a dealership to get it serviced or repaired. We can do the same work at a fraction of the cost. We don’t believe that owning a luxury car means that repairs have to break the bank. We will work with you to determine a service plan that will fit your needs and budget.
Stop by our shop or give us a call to schedule your appointment. You can reach us at 954-565-2000. At 4 Rings European Autowerks, our mechanics specialize in BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes. We offer a variety of services including repairs, maintenance, and oil changes. We proudly service clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Pompano Beach, and Oakland Park, FL areas.