Noisy Belt Drive Points to Bad Tensioner in Audi TT

Had the same timing belt tensioner problem on my 2010 Audi A5 2.0T. The irregular engine noise started gradually, particularly noticeable during cold starts. The serpentine belt showed signs of uneven wear due to the failing tensioner pulley. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. If left unaddressed, the compromised engine performance can lead to complete belt failure, potentially causing severe engine damage. The tensioner pulley failure often stems from worn bearings inside the mechanism. During repair, the entire tensioner assembly needed replacement along with the serpentine belt. Its crucial to check adjacent components like water pump and idler pulleys while the belt is off, as they often wear at similar intervals. The job requires proper timing alignment tools and technical expertise to ensure correct belt tension. A proper automobile maintenance schedule could have caught this earlier when the bearing first started showing wear. The repair typically takes 4-5 hours for an experienced technician to complete properly. This repair cant be postponed as belt failure would leave you stranded and potentially cause catastrophic engine damage. Would strongly recommend getting it checked immediately to prevent further complications with your TT.

Thanks for the detailed response about the tensioner pulley and serpentine belt replacement. Your description matches what I experienced exactly, that gradual increase in noise was a clear warning sign. The belt tensioner on my TT has been running smoothly since the repair, but I was wondering how much you ended up paying? My automobile maintenance history shows I had to replace both the tensioner and idler pulley to ensure proper engine performance, but I cant remember the total cost. Also, have you noticed any other issues developing since the repair?

Following up on your question, glad to hear your TT is running well after the repair. In my case, the belt tensioner replacement cost came to 455 Euro for parts and labor. This fixed the belt squeal and irregular movement completely. Since having the work done six months ago, engine performance has remained solid with no new issues emerging. The investment was worth it, proper tension on the serpentine belt keeps all accessory components running smoothly. Regular automobile maintenance checks show everything is still properly aligned and functioning as it should. Getting both the tensioner and idler pulley replaced at the same time was smart preventive maintenance. When one component shows wear, related parts are often not far behind. The timing belt system works as a complete unit, so addressing all wearing parts at once usually proves most cost-effective long term.

Got the repair done last week and wanted to share my experience. The mechanic confirmed the diagnosis, both the belt tensioner and idler pulley needed replacement. Total cost came to 480 Euro including parts and labor, which seems in line with typical pricing. The engine noise disappeared completely after the repair. The serpentine belt now runs smoothly without any irregular movement. They also did a thorough check of the surrounding components while everything was apart, which gave me peace of mind about the overall condition of the belt drive system. The automobile maintenance took about 4 hours total. While not cheap, avoiding potential engine damage made it worth the investment. The mechanic showed me the worn parts afterward, the bearing in the old tensioner was completely shot. Glad I addressed it before something catastrophic happened. Now that its fixed, the engine runs like new again. Will definitely keep a closer eye on belt system wear going forward during routine maintenance checks. Thanks again for the helpful advice that pushed me to get it sorted promptly.