MikeD-9000

160k miles. Over 80% highway. Car is in for stg 3 and new springs. After labor, I will, as expected be way over budget. Then the mention of of chain tensioner seals comes up. The mech wants to pull the tensioners etc and replace them, as they have to be removed to get the seals replaced anyway. My issue? New chain tensioners cost about the same (within a few hundred) of a low milage used 2.8 setup, I am hearing. While that could be wrong, I'm not in a position to replace the cam tensioners and pay what sounds like 4+ hrs labor.

I can review options involving 2K or so expenses again in about 10 months. Am I going to get 10K or so out of these, in the mean time, if needed?

Also, is there a way to replace the tensioner seals without pulling everything apart. They are leaking a small amount, it seems.

Wrinkledpants

With a higher mileage car like that, the biggest cost is the labor. So you should be doing the belt, tensioners and seals, water pump, thermostat, cam seals if they are leaking, valve cover gasket, and anything else you can think of. If you are doing stg 3, then might as well do the rear main crank seal while the motor is out.

-SlowSilverTIPJason-

can replace the seals and keep your tensioners. You have to pull everything apart unfortunately they're a pain in the ***. Wrinkledpants is thinking of the timing belt...

Wrinkledpants

Oh he meant the cam chain. WERD.

MikeD-9000

And the seals will probably be done if they start a bad leak, or if I have a full weekend to learn DIY, with a tow to shop option for backup ;-)

JoeS4

2nd

Wrinkledpants

Hey what does the coin holder in your sig look like? I hate having loose change everywhere.

jakecro [ww]

and this is the tool you need

<img src="http://images.andale.com/f2/109/101/17613004/1137075188308_vw3366bbb.jpg">

there is no need to remove the chain tensioner to replace the gasket/seal.

there is a few more write-ups to follow here:
<a href="http://www.audidatabase.com/diy">http://www.audidatabase.com/diy</a><ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/600761.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/600761.phtml</a></li></ul>

Matt Danger

And you don't have to completely remove them to replace the seal. Use the tool that jakecro linked. It's kind of a pain but easier than removing the tensioner, which requires removing at least one of the cams.

Find out more about why your mechanic wants to replace the tensioners.

JoeS4

the perfect size to slide in very snugle right in to the front of the arm rest. I got it from Clair Parts years ago which is now Audi Parts Superstore (part of Prime now since Prime bought Clair). They might still have them/be able to get them. I would think Carson could order it also.<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/int7.shtml">https://www.audiworld.com/tech/int7.shtml</a</li></ul>