Thread: TDI belt noise 20 cent fix ( it works)

Originally Posted by Bazzle218

Well after 3 months the 1996, 300 TDI auto is back on the road, after new brakes, rotors, bearings and converting them to oil feed plus a rebuilt injector pump. Anyway the only down point was the belt was squealing from near the tensioner which apparently was replaced for $250 dollars 6 months ago. Being now short of cash i did a search and found a reference to a fix where a coin is placed in the nine oclock position behind the tensioner and tightened up. The fix, first i lossened the tensioner on the main bolt and started the engine then with the help of a long handled screw driver i leavered the tensioner at the nine oclock position as i did this the noise reduced and suddenly went away. Using the calibrated eyeball descided the gap was the width of a 20 Cent coin. Stopped engine inserted coin, tightened everything up, start up Wahoo no noise. Everything looks fine, car runs fine. Apparently the English chap who posted this fix has done over 300,00 ks with nil issues. When i get the money will be getting a new tensioner i have been told there is a nylon bush/washer that wears which causes run off.

nice one mate, i might actual go with the 10c option as its cheaper lol

just a thought if i used a $2 coin would it make my truck more vauleable?? haha glad you worked it out mate.

Seen similar things done on truck motors with washers.
Usually lasts 2-3 weeks before the bearing siezes and burns through the belt

The coin is behind the tensioner mounting point on the engine. To the best of my knowledege the internal spring on the tensioner is not effected as the coin only spaces the mount and straightens / squaring up the whole unit there is no effect on the tensioner bearing other than straightening it up so it runs true on the belt. I consider myself anal when it comes to noises in the car and rest assured if the bearing gives any sign of wear i will sought it out. The tensioner arm moves freely doing its job with no obvious problems, but will certainly keep and eye on it and will keep everyone posted.

I did a similar trick (but cheaper!) using a washer.
It lasted about 12 months before the bolt holding the tensioner on sheared from metal fatigue. It left me stranded an hour and a half from home and I spent the night in as motel!
I'd be ordering a new one (and bolt) from Paddock Spares (they are very reasonably priced) asap if I were you...

is 90mins of your time and being broken down/ needing recovery, all that 'pain and suffering' worth the $5 for a new bearing? the same bearing can be used across all the pullys so grab a few

David.