4Driver4

I was planning on doing the cam adjuster seals with the timing belt service on the wife's A6 at the end of the Summer, but a bad alternator has stepped up my schedule. In looking at the passenger side cam ajuster seal, it looks like it would be easier to pull the cams than try to replace the seal with the cam installed. At this point the timing belt is off, so it looks easy to remove the cams. Am I missing something here? Any reason not to just pull the cams?

Kris Hansen

I have heard of folks just pulling the INTAKE cam, which gives a little more wiggle room..

4Driver4

The front of the engine is disassembled - no timing belt or cam sprocket.

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

easier to get the seal seated properly (so I've been told) with the cams removed. It does not have to be removed, but the chances of getting the proper seat on the new seal is increased with cam removal. Good luck either way!

Niro

it will take you to try to replace the seal and clean properly with the cams in will probably be about the same. You can also replace the valve cover gaskets at this time to save you some leaks in the near future. Make sure you mark the timing chain before you remove the cams just in case it comes loose in the removal process.

Kris Hansen

the non-moot point is, if you aren't already doing timing belt, you do NOT want to mess with the exhaust side camshaft. Unless you WANT to have to perform an emergency timing belt change.

4Driver4

OK, cams are coming out! Thanks, folks!