Is that faint ticking sound coming from your Audi’s engine a mere noise or an early warning of a leaking camshaft tensioner? The camshaft tensioner is one of the critical components of your Audi’s engine, and it must be replaced at the right time. Its main function is to keep the tension of the timing chain or belt in order to synchronize the camshaft and crankshaft. This coordination is important so that the valves of the engine can open and close at the right time and the engine can run efficiently. If the tensioner is not performing the way it should, the timing chain or belt may lose tension, and this will lead to poor running of the engine or even total failure.
Why Does the Camshaft Tensioner Leak?
The camshaft tensioner is a component that is dependent on oil for it to perform its functions. A leak can occur when the seals or gaskets that surround the tensioner wear out and oil finds its way out. If there is not enough oil, the tensioner cannot generate the necessary pressure to keep the timing chain or belt tight. This can lead to minor performance hitches and even major complications that affect the engine.
Leaks can occur for various reasons such as the car’s age, high mileage, or exposure to high temperatures. Proactive care can reduce the chances of having a leak, but even cars that are well-maintained may still develop this problem over time.
Symptoms of a Leaking Camshaft Tensioner
- Oil Leaks: The first sign that is easily noticeable if the camshaft tensioner is defective or has a leakage is the presence of oil stains on the engine. If you find that there are stains of oil on the floor where you park your car or observe that oil is dripping from the engine, then there is a possibility that the camshaft tensioner is leaking. The tensioner has rubber seals and gaskets that become worn out and cause leakage of oil. One should take quick action in case of oil leaks to avoid the worsening of the current state of the engine.
- Check Engine Light: There are numerous reasons why the Check Light may come on and one of them is a leaking camshaft tensioner. If the timing chain has stretched and lost tension due to a faulty tensioner it can cause the engine to go out of time and this will activate the check light. If the light comes on, it is advisable to have your Audi taken to a mechanic to determine why the light is on.
- Rattling Noise: A timing chain or belt that has stretched or not tensioned correctly will produce a rattle in the engine especially when starting the car or when accelerating. This noise is occasioned by the chain or belt of the engine striking other components of the engine since it has no tension. If you get a rattling sound coming from the engine, then you are likely to have a problem with the camshaft tensioner.
- Poor Engine Performance: The failure of the camshaft tensioner leads to a reduction in the performance of the engine. You may find that it lacks power or is slow to accelerate. This is because the engine is out of time, and as such it is not running as it should. If you have a slippage problem, it would be wise to have your camshaft tensioner checked out.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Leak
If there is a leakage in the camshaft tensioner, it will be necessary to replace it to correct the function of the engine. Your mechanic can tell if there are any related problems like a worn-out seal or gasket and fix them at the same time. Please be sure to adhere to the service intervals recommended for your Audi and have the camshaft tensioner examined during regular services.
Trust Crowne Automotive to Care for Your Audi
If you have any reason to believe that the 
camshaft tensioner of your Audi is leaking then you should take your car to a competent repairer. At Crowne Automotive, we are the number one repair shop for the maintenance and repair of European cars such as Audi in Hummelstown, PA. Our experienced technicians can carefully detect the issues in your Audi using relevant diagnostic tools and you can be sure the repairs will be done with quality Audi parts to have your vehicle in the best condition.
Aside from the residents in Hummelstown, we also assist drivers from Hershey, Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Lebanon, Palmyra, Carlisle, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Elizabethtown, and York, PA. Call us now to book an appointment with our mechanics.