There was a nasty bearing noise coming from the engine on this 2008 Audi A3 1.6. It was concerning the owner, who had owned the Audi for three years. The first job he had done when he took over ownership, was to have the camshaft timing belt and the tensioners replaced.

The noise that could now be heard appeared to be from behind the timing cover, and so the first job was to remove the auxiliary drive belt to ensure the noise was not coming from one of the external rotating pulleys such as the alternator, A/C pump or tensioner bearing.

This noise remained, so the timing belt covers were removed to have a look. The belt is quite easy to access on this engine. Once the covers were off, all looked well.

After lining up the timing marks and slackening of the timing belt, the water pump was given a quick spin by hand, the bearing noise was easily detectable at this point, confirming it as the source of the noise. A new water pump was needed.

As the timing belt was over halfway through its lifespan, it was agreed that it should also be replaced, along with the tensioner kit.

Once all back together, the engine was running a little quieter. The timing belt and water pump will now hopefully be trouble free for the next five years.

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