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How to compress hyrdaulic damper?

3.1K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  woodardhsd  
#1 ·
I am into the TB swap now (crap this is a lot of work). I am to the part where I need to "remove tension from the timing belt by slowly compressing the hydraulic damper" Can someone fill me in on how I am supposed to do this?
Thanks
 
#4 ·
should be the same.
 
#5 ·
Oh the 1.8 I do not believe there is a way to easily compress the tensioner while still in the car. The roller does not have the 8mm allen slot. I also do not believe there is any other way to compress it.

Can I ask why you are not replacing the tensioner? If I was in there, I certainly would.

Only once have I had a reason to reuse the tensioner. On that car (V6), the brand new waterpump failed in less than 10k miles. Since I just did the full TB replacement, I compressed the tensioner in my press. Do it slowly, compress a little bit until yo ufeel more resistance and wait a few minutes, then repeat until fully compressed. Usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Z
 
#10 ·
Oh the 1.8 I do not believe there is a way to easily compress the tensioner while still in the car. The roller does not have the 8mm allen slot. I also do not believe there is any other way to compress it.
Incorrect. The roller does have a spot for an 8mm allen. Put the allen wrench in there, slip something over the end to use as a lever and compress it SLOWLY.

I was actually able to re-tension the timing belt (after I had done it incorrectly) by only removing the upper cover from the engine. It wasn't terribly easy or fun, but is was a hell of a lot quicker than removing the whole front end of the car again.
 
#6 ·
zmaininco:
I am replacing the tensioner as part of a TB swap but I miss interpreted the procedure so I need to compress it and start again. I did it slowly as you said an got it back in. I have started the car and all seems fine. Thanks
 
#8 ·
I happened to have a huge c clamp handy. but the secret is not the "force" its the consistent pressure over time and it will go down no problem my brother got it down with his thumb for my dads car but he has mechanics hands.

make sure to have a paper clip to stick in the hole when its all the way down.
 
#9 ·
A tip on compressing the tensioner. This is straight from the Bentley manual:

The toothed belt tensioner is oil-dampened. Compress it by slowly applying constant pressure. While doing this, tensioner must have a temperature of at least 30 degree C, otherwise it cannot be compressed further.

I bring the lock carrier into the service position, then run the engine until it's warm You get to the tensioner within minutes at that point, and it drops in like butter. I guess if you live in a warmer climate, you might not need to do this, but here in Michigan, it helps!

:salute:
 
#12 ·
The tensioner can be compressed cold. I just did a V6 tensioner in the vise with a temp around freezing. It was newly installed on a 2.7T a few weeks ago but replaced after the engine grenaded when the owner dropped something in the intake. The key is to take it slow. A little pressure, wait and then a little more.