Can I get some instruction on TB retension for 87 S4. I want to do it this weekend. I checked the usual suspects but nothing with clarity. I would appreciate a step by step. Thanks guys.

 

John Pirtles site has a great write up on replacement which shows how to tension the TB. Basically just need to take off the left cover (as you are looking at the engine from the front) get the crank in the right position (which is crucial) and have at it. If you do a search you will find a plethora of info.

Regards,

 

Retension is not hard. The Kempf tool comes with complete instructions.

You need to remove some things to gain access to the belt on the passenger side (US). That is passenger side distributor cap, oil disptick tube, and 3 bolts that hold on the belt cover. Unplug the small black wire that passes through the belt cover near the tensioner - that is the tensioner warning system wire. Remove the cover. I have to pull the upper radiator hose and the fan shroud on my 89 to get enough working room. You may need a set of stubby open ends to unloosen the lock nut and adjuster bolt on the tensioner. Before you loosen them, turn the crank clockwise to TDC (0) - this requires a 27MM socket and long ratchet/bar. Do not turn it back even a smidgen if you pass TDC as that will grossly affect the tension observed. Instead, go all the way around clockwise again to TDC. Insert the Kempf tool over the belt between the ribs close to the center cover and check the tension. Adjust to middle of notch.

While the cover is off closely look at the condition of the belt and the cam gear. The belt should look LIKE NEW with NO fraying, cracking, broken ribs - NOTHING. Rotate the crank so you can look at all of the belt. If the cam gear annodized coating is worn through take some close-up digital pictures and post them for evaluation. Some wear-through is tolerable but needs monitoring as the aluminum wears quickly once the annodization is gone. If the gear teeth show shiny aluminum (polished from wear) all the way across or if the teeth are dished out and sharply edged, you need to plan for a bigger job SOON. Also, this generally means the belt tension has been set too high or the tensioner lost its oil. Inspect the tensioner boot. It should be supple and intact. Mine was brittle and broken at the last TB job.

Tony Harkin has a write up. He was checking tension while doing other things so he pulled a lot of other parts off that you shouldn't need to. Still very good documentation by Tony, as always.

http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/checking.htm

 

Bill, That's what I was looking for. I was just about to go to John Pirtles site but I figured I would check here first. Good thing but I will still check it out to be thorough. Thanks a lot.