Cam Belt Tensioner Stud

[GTXGTXGTX]

Hi,

I am changing the cam belt on my GTX at the weekend. There seems to be varying opinions on the need to change the tensioner stud or not.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[mark1gls]

I’ve only changed mine once on my Mk1 Scirocco and never changed it on my 1988 Mk1 Golf (daily drive)
I have read online about the odd one breaking, could be from an engine/car sat around un used in a damp garage for years…
I do have a good look at the stud when changing the cam belt tensioner.

I guess it’s up to you if you are worried as I don’t want to say leave it and it snaps a year down the line…

[mark1gls]

I guess you are changing the tensioner when doing the cam belt?

[GTXGTXGTX]

Yes changing the tensioner. A stud did not come with the new belt and tensioner.

[GTXGTXGTX]

Yes changing the tensioner. A stud did not come with the new belt and tensioner.

Cam belt changed and car running well. Only problem is the tensioner is whining. To get it to stop making a noise I have to adjust it to so it is looser than recommended/ safe. Whines when at correct tightness.

Couldn't be a defective tensioner? The make is Febi.

Any Advice appreciated.


Thanks.

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[mark1gls]

Does it sound like you have a supercharger fitted which changed noise with the engine revs?

Tension should be 1/4 twist with holding the edges of the belt with a finger and thumb 1/2 down the longer run of the belt.

[GTXGTXGTX]

Hi

Yes that is the soundnit makes. I will check again. I went by the Haynes manual.

Will recheck.

Thanks

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[C 20 CCO]

Any further news on your tensioner??

I changed my belt and tensioner this summer, the kit came with a stud. Now the new stud wouldn’t screw into the block cleanly, so I reused the old stud.
The thread on the stud can stretch under tension hence the need for using a new one. Depending on how soft the metal is or the quality of the metal. I’ll change my stud next time around.

[james butler]

always change the nut and tensioner
the failure of the stud, nut and/or tensioner can lead to engine failure it aint worth it
as for setting tension i set it so you can twist the belt 90 degrees and you can feel a little play in the belt forward and back about 5mm

[GTXGTXGTX]

Hi

I changed the nut and tensioner the problem is when the belt is at the recommended tension the tensioner whines a lot. To get it to stop whining the belt has to be looser than it should be. Maybe it's a duff tensioner? (Febi)

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[C 20 CCO]

Did your old tensioner whine? If not then I would have the new tensioner checked. If you still have the receipt for it, I’d ask for a replacement… or just change it…


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[james butler]

did you rotate the tensioner clockwise? if you didnt the belt will rub the housing

[GTXGTXGTX]

Yes definitely clockwise but I will check for rubbing. Where most likely? Bottom or top cover?
Thanks

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[james butler]

think bottom cover but definatley worth checking
theres also the t bolt lower down that sometimes comes loose that can cause rubbing that has a 10mm nut on it i think