Audi A5 Belt Tensioner Woes, Repair Costs & Risks

Recently fixed a similar issue on my 2010 Audi A4 2.0T. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, that distinct serpentine belt noise during cold starts points to belt tensioner failure. The serpentine belt system needed complete overhaul since the worn tensioner had caused premature wear on the idler pulley and belt. Left unchecked, this can lead to belt failure, which would disable multiple engine components including the alternator and water pump. This is a serious issue requiring immediate attention. A failed serpentine belt can leave you stranded and potentially cause engine overheating. The timing belt is a separate system, but since your A5 is at 60K km, it would be smart to have it inspected during the repair. The repair typically involves: New belt tensioner assembly, New serpentine belt, New idler pulley, Belt drive system inspection Postponing the repair will only lead to more expensive damage. The noise will worsen as the tensioner continues to fail. Get it checked immediately to prevent being stranded with a broken belt.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. This sounds a lot like what I'm experiencing, especially the belt squeal during cold starts. I finally got it fixed at a specialized workshop last week. The mechanic confirmed the belt tensioner was severely worn and replaced both the tensioner and serpentine belt. The engine noise is completely gone now and everything runs smoothly. Would you mind sharing what you paid for your repair? Also curious if youve had any other issues pop up since getting it fixed?

Had the same work done about a month ago. The worn belt tensioner and serpentine belt replacement cost me 455 Euro total, including labor. Since the repair, my engine has been running perfectly quiet with no belt drive issues whatsoever. The idler pulley showed minimal wear during inspection so it didnt need replacement. The mechanic did a thorough check of the entire belt drive system while everything was apart. Really worth getting it done by a specialist who knows these engines. The timing belt was also inspected and looked fine, but they recommended planning for replacement at the next major service interval to prevent any future problems. No other engine noise or belt related issues have surfaced since the repair. Getting that squealing noise fixed definitely provides peace of mind, especially knowing a failed serpentine belt could have caused much more expensive damage.

Just got back from getting everything sorted out. The specialized shop I chose did fantastic work, complete belt tensioner and serpentine belt replacement for 520 Euro. Engine performance is significantly better now with no more concerning engine noise during startups. The mechanic walked me through the whole repair and showed me how the old tensioner was affecting the belt system. Smart move getting it fixed when I did, they found the idler pulley was starting to show wear too. Could have led to much bigger problems if left unchecked. Really relieved I didnt wait longer, as the belt squeal was apparently a clear warning sign. The timing belt looked okay during inspection, but Ill keep an eye on it for future maintenance. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice, saved me from potentially serious engine damage and a much costlier repair down the road.