The camshaft tensioner in your Audi is responsible for ensuring that all the belts under the hood have the proper tension and are being held tight. Although the camshaft tensioner is responsible for all the belts, the main concerns are the serpentine and timing belts.

In order to function properly, the camshaft tensioner must get oil from the engine. This oil is pressurized and hydraulic in nature. It is the key component in making sure that the tension is maintained.  Let’s take a closer look at the camshaft tensioner in the article below.

Signs of a Leak in the Camshaft Tensioner

The major issue that can occur in regards to the camshaft tensioner is a leak in oil. This is oil required for optimal functioning to prevent heat from friction. The first sign of a leak is problems with acceleration. In order for your Audi to accelerate properly, all the belts need to be tight with the proper amount of tension. If the tension is not being provided, then the required RPM to accelerate will not be obtained.

Another warning indicator of a leak in the camshaft tensioner is strange sounds coming from under the hood. These sounds are caused by a loose serpentine or timing belt. When the camshaft tensioner has a leak, it will not be able to provide the necessary tension so the belts attached to it will become loose. When the serpentine or timing belt is loose, loud grinding or clanking sounds will be heard.

Natural wear and tear is a bane of every car owner, and maintaining your vehicle’s oil is essential. If the camshaft tensioner is not getting the proper amount of oil, then the belts are not going to be able to function as they were intended. This will result in wear and tear occurring well before it should.

The check engine light is a fourth signal that can indicate there is a leak in the camshaft tensioner. Your Audi has a sophisticated computer system that is in charge of monitoring all that is going on inside the vehicle. Your Audi is constantly picking up and interpreting readings that sensors throughout the vehicle are supplying to it. One of the parts your Audi is monitoring is the camshaft tensioner. If a leak has occurred, then the check engine light may illuminate not necessarily because of the leak itself, but because the leak has caused other parts to malfunction. So when your check engine light comes on, there is a strong possibility that a leak is occurring, especially when you have also noticed one of the other signs.

Fixing a Leak in your Audi’s Camshaft Tensioner

To prevent leaks from occurring in your camshaft tensioner, keep up with regular oil changes. Having old oil in the engine for too long can have a negative effect on the camshaft tensioner and ultimately cause a leak. The longer the oil is in your Audi, the greater the chance that debris will build-up. Once the debris starts to circulate through the system, it has the potential to damage all the parts it comes in contact with, including the camshaft tensioner. If the debris particles are large enough that it can create holes in the system. This is when leaks can occur.

If you have kept up with regular oil changes but you are still noticing one or more of the above-mentioned signs of a leak, then it is time to bring your Audi in to be inspected. At Rowlett Motorwerks, our technicians are certified and trained in a wide range of vehicles, including Audi, so you can rest assured of our quality work.

We are conveniently accessible from the areas of Garland, Rockwall, Sachse, Wylie, and Rowlett, TX, so you can easily make an appointment with us. We are eager to service our local communities. Rowlett Motorwerks uses the latest and up-to-date diagnostic tools to inspect the camshaft tensioner and to determine the origin of the leak. We repair or replace the components affected with dealership-quality parts to ensure you are getting the highest-quality repair at a competitive inexpensive price. Call us today so we can answer any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment for you.