2000 1.8T, timing belt tensioner noisey

[krackow]

I recently purchase a 2000 1.8T Jetta, 112K, I should mention I'm new to VW's and this forum.

Recently I've noticed a tapping/rattling noise coming from the engine at low idle, When I remove the timing belt cover I notice on the lower back of the engine, there is a lever that extends out from the timing belt casing that I can manually move up and down. When the car is in low idle this lever (tensioner?) is jumping and hitting the casing causing the tapping. The timing belt was replaced before I bought the car, My question is, is this actually the timing belt tensioner? and from what I've read on here about breaking timing belts in this car I should not drive the car correct?


Thanks

[CaseyVR6]

I'm pretty sure, although not positive, that the timing belt tensioner is toward the top of the engine compartment. And it uses a bolt to release the tension, rather than a bar to increase tension. No idea what the lever could be, but I've only spent limmited time on my sister's 1.8T as opposed to the countless hours on my VR6. Sorry I can't be more help

[veedubmechanic]

It sounds like the person who did the t-belt didnt correctly set the tensioner. The rod on the tensioner is hydraulic and pushes on the plate that goes to the roller. If the tensioner was not correctly "tensioned" and its tapping, then your t-belt has 0 tension on it and is very unsafe to drive. The t-belt is problably loose as all heck, not good on 1.8t. You need to loosen the nut for the roller maybe 1/2 turn to loosen it and then there is a special tool (bolt w/ cone on end) that pulls thay plate down and pushes the tensioner rod back into the tensioner. then tighten the nut and then remove the special tool bolt. IF the tensioner was replaced then this should dothe trick. IF the tensoner wasnt replaced then it needs to be replaced. along with the roller.

[krackow]

Thanks veedub, you hit the nail right on the head, the mechanic who supposedly did the work in the first place had only replaced the timing belt, not the tensioner etc... and he had not done the work properly so the tensioner was not working. I was lucky I didn't loose the timing belt and the resulting damage to the engine. I was fortunate enough to find a reputable VW mechanic in my area had the work done properly this time. Now it's a matter of trying to recover my loses, oh well at least I'm on the road!

Thanks again for all your help

[veedubmechanic]

Yup.... replace that tensioner, they fail more than the t-belt!