Have you ever observed oil stains under your car and wondered how the oil got there? A leaking camshaft tensioner is a problem that is frequently encountered by many Audi car owners. These leaks can be annoying and sometimes be quite worrying, however, knowing the root causes and how to address them can put you at ease. Tired of the mess of oil puddles? Continue reading to learn how to get rid of this issue for good.
What Is A Camshaft Tensioner?
For a better understanding, we will first discuss what the camshaft tensioner is. The camshaft tensioner, in plain terms, is a part of the engine that keeps the timing chain or belt tight. The synchronicity of the camshaft and crankshaft is ensured this way, which is very important for the engine to run without any interruption. If the tensioner does not work the right way, the engine will cease to function.
What Is The Cause Of Leaks In The Camshaft Tensioners?
A leak in the Audi camshaft tensioner usually occurs in the seals and gaskets. After a while, these seals tend to fall apart because of the effect of heat, pressure, and general usage. When they are not able to contain the oil, the oil starts to leak out. This may result in numerous problems like lower engine performance, or even possible engine damage if it is neglected.
How to Address A Leak In The Camshaft Tensioner?
- Visual Inspection: A visual inspection is the first thing you should do when you want to fix a leak in the camshaft tensioner. Open the hood and thoroughly look at the space around the camshaft tensioner. Try to notice any oil leakage indicators such as wet stains, oily residue, and oil drops. Analyze the adjacent components such as the valve cover, timing belt, and the engine block. It is very possible for leaks to spread and affect other areas so you should have adequate lighting so that you can see the most minute leaks. A flashlight can light up any obscure region that you would otherwise not be able to see.
- Replace Seals: If the visual inspection shows that the seals or gaskets are the culprits of the leak, then you must identify the particular seal that is leaking. The timing cover gasket and the camshaft seal are the two most common causes of leakage. To take out the bad seal, you may have to disassemble some of the engine components, which is why precisely following the steps is important to prevent more damage. Clean the surfaces on which the new seal or gasket is to be installed. Any dirt or oil residue that is not cleaned may hinder proper sealing and could result in future leaks. Assemble the new seal or gasket making sure it’s well seated. As soon as you have put the new seal or gasket in place, reassemble any parts that you took apart during the process.
Is A Professional Necessary?
The process of repairing a leak in the camshaft tensioner of your Audi can be complicated. While some Audi enthusiasts might want to take care of the problem and do the job themselves, it’s usually a good idea to ask a professional for help. A mechanic with the right tools and experience will be able to diagnose and fix the problem correctly so your Audi runs smoothly and safely.
Get Experts Hands On Your Audi To Prevent Oil Leaks
At Import Motorworks, we are the most famous automotive repair shop in Tennessee for the popular Import cars. With our location in McDonald, TN, we cover Audi drivers from nearby areas like Chattanooga, Ooltewah, East Brainerd, Cleveland, Harrison, TN, and Ringgold, GA. If you think or find a leak in your Audi’s camshaft tensioner or other components and need a quick diagnosis and repair, we are here to serve you.
Our garage is furnished with the most advanced Audi diagnostic and repair tools, and our skilled mechanics are familiar with these tools and know how to use them to restore your car to its best performance. If you require superb services at reasonable prices, simply drive your Audi to our garage and let the rest of the work be done by our experts. Schedule your next service by dialing the number of our nearest shop to you at (423) 238-7600.
* White Audi A6 Avant Car image credit goes to: teddyleung.
