This ain't right - is it timing belt related?
 

Folks,

Poking around under the hood, this was noticed. Not sure the purpose of this. It is not connected on one side. It is very tight on the connected side, cannot be moved using a screw driver pushing down on the unattached end. I am wondering if it is related to the tensioner or timing belt in some way and if I need to take this very seriously.

I'll post some pics, the first one with the red arrow showing the offender and then some more closer up.

I have been looking through some timing belt threads found a car that doesn't even seem to have this installed.

Experts?
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...1f6ce74d76.jpg

Could it be this support bracket (11).

Verstand,

I think you might be right. It looks like they put a pre-87 style waterpump on, even though on the invoice from the timing belt job they have the correct number for 87+. 928 106 015MX

But I found this picture:


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...99be72234d.jpg

OK. New question. How bad is it to run a pre '87 waterpump on an '87 S4 auto, if that is in fact what happened?

The car has been running like a dream. The timing belt and waterpump job was done in January of 2013 and the car really only has about 7500 miles on it since done. I don't really want to open it up if I don't have to.

Cameron,
Verstand is the name of the car.
Are things functioning well ? If they are I'd let sleeping dogs lie. Having a misplaced, non intrusive piece of hardware can be removed on the next change out.
Craig

I don't think it would pose of problem if it hasn't up to now. It's just an impeller that rotates and throws liquid forward.

If it were a problem, you would've known in short order.

Thanks, Verstand - er - I mean Craig. (sorry :))

You're welcome.
Verstand really isn't a name. It's a word/term in German I thought fitting for the car.

Pardon my German, is that 'senses'?

From Babylon.com translator:

'reason, mind, intellect, brain, common sense, normal intelligence, judgement, good sense, wit

understand, comprehend, see, hear, grasp the meaning of, grasp, take in, know, interpret, realize; go along, cooperate'

Yes it's a little odd, but has meaning to me.

I think the very early '87 cars did not have the brace (#11).
See The pics here":
http://dwaynesgarage.norcal928.org/1...0Procedure.htm
Scroll down until you see the pump & tensioner pics.

If the pump was changed later to one with a brace, I think that area in the timing cover had to be notched to clear the brace. Any signs cover was notched?
Looks like at some point it did have a bolt in it (shiny area around the hole)- is there one broken off or?