Audi 80 Quiz
Engines

Checking the timing belt tension, Checking the timing belt condition

In this manual: Engines
Technical Description — 39Engines — 41Exhaust System — 13Cooling System — 28Fuel tank and fuel pump — 12Air Filter and Intake Ducts — 13Mono-Motronic Injection System — 18Digifant Injection System — 19KE-III-Jetronic Injection System — 35MPI and MPFI Injection Systems — 32Clutch — 11Transmission and Driveline — 21Suspension and Steering — 33Brake System — 41Anti-lock brake system — 8Wheels and Tires — 13Body Electrical System — 35Ignition System — 24Lighting — 14Signaling Devices — 7Instruments and Auxiliary Equipment — 54Heating and Ventilation — 7Body Components — 18Troubleshooting — 6Specifications — 13
~1min read

Checking the timing belt tension

PROCEDURE

Remove the timing belt cover.

The timing belt must not have cracks or traces of oil or grease.

The tooth sides must be intact, without signs of wear.

Replace a damaged timing belt!

Checking the timing belt condition

PROCEDURE

Remove the timing belt protective cover.

On Audi models, belt tension is checked at the following points:
4-cylinder engine: between the camshaft and intermediate shaft gears.

5-cylinder engine: between the camshaft gear and the coolant pump gear.

6-cylinder engine: between the camshaft gear and the upper guide roller.

With normal tension, a cold timing belt can be twisted (turned) 90° (right angle) using only the thumb and index finger.

Note: a whistling noise after starting a cold engine that increases with higher engine speed indicates that the timing belt is tensioned too tightly.

Test yourself

A quick Audi 80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.