Tag: Audi Specialist

Indicators of a Camshaft Tensioner Leak in an Audi by the Specialist of Los Angeles

Posted on August 6, 2021 by - Audi Repair

Audi R8

When driving an Audi, or any car for that matter, it is in your best interest to keep all the essential parts operating smoothly. A part that is important to the performance of your Audi is the camshaft tensioner.

The camshaft tensioner is responsible for keeping an appropriate amount of tension on your car’s timing belt. The timing belt regulates the opening and closing of the engine valves through synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft rotations.

In an Audi, the camshaft tensioner uses pressurized hydraulic oil for the timing belt’s functionality. A leak here can result in malfunctions and even complete engine failure.

A leaking camshaft tensioner can lead to more engine problems and can even compromise your safety. You wouldn’t want your Audi to suffer further problems, so it is a good idea to keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of problems. If you notice symptoms of a camshaft tensioner leak, you should bring it to our Audi-certified technicians so we can make repairs for you.

Watch For These Indications

A camshaft tensioner leak will appear as a typical oil leak, since the function of the camshaft tensioner is to regulate the timing belt. Failure of the camshaft tensioner will affect the timing belt as well.

  • Unusual Clicking or Grinding Noises: If you hear a loud grinding, ticking, or clicking noises, these are signs that the timing belt’s tension has been compromised. Since the timing belt is responsible for the movement of the engine’s pistons, this can also compromise your safety and can lead to an accident.
  • Check-Engine Light is On: The performance of the engine will rely on the timing belt and camshaft tensioner, among other things. Since both of these are central to its performance, failure in any of these will result in the engine line turning on.
  • Engine Doesn’t Start: An inappropriate amount of tension on the timing belt will lead to it being stretched, and as time passes, it increases the chance of it snapping. A snapped timing belt will increase the difficulty in repairing your vehicle with the added problem of not being able to bring your vehicle to the repair shop.
  • Accelerated Aging of the Timing Belt: To check the timing belt, you would need to open the hood of your car. However, the timing belt will naturally accumulate wear and tear over time with oil leaking from the camshaft tensioner. The timing belt will fray faster than it would without the oil leaking onto it.
  • Problems with Accelerating: If you notice your vehicle hesitating to accelerate, it could result from the timing belt being damaged and slipping due to improper tension.
  • Other Issues: Since the camshaft tensioner has a hand in governing other features, problems with your AC and battery can also be caused by a leaking camshaft tensioner.

How to Prevent a Camshaft Tensioner Leak

The best way to prevent a leak from happening is to get your vehicle regularly examined to catch the problem before it gets even worse. A simple inspection done by our expert mechanics can catch a worn-out timing belt and other loose parts. These can be solved early without it having the chance to pose a risk to your and your vehicle’s safety.

Get it Fixed by the Certified Technicians at Carotech Automotive

A vehicle with a leaking camshaft tensioner will negatively impact your engine’s performance and can even compromise your Audi Camshaft Tensioner Leak Repair safety. With those in mind, it’s best that you get your car to a certified repair shop. Our masterful technicians here at Carotech Automotive will diagnose and address the issues plaguing your car and have you safely behind the wheel again.

The owners and technicians at Carotech Automotive have maintained a code of excellence for over 50 years. We have reliably served the people of Los Angeles, CA and have gained their trust through honestly diagnosing and repairing their vehicles.

For any issues affecting your Audi, bring it to Carotech Automotive. We will have our expert technicians tend to your vehicle. Don’t wait for your camshaft tensioner leak to cause more problems. Ensure your and your vehicle’s safety by contacting us and booking an appointment with our master technicians today.

* Audi R8 image credit goes to: DarthArt.

The Best Auto Repair Shop in Los Angeles to Replace a Catalytic Converter in an Audi

Posted on July 5, 2021 by - Audi Repair

Audi Used Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is a critical aspect of the exhaust system in your Audi. Shaped similar to the muffler, the catalytic converter features a ceramic honeycomb that is made up of elements that can clean exhaust gases that would alternatively be expelled from the exhaust system. It’s typical for Audi vehicles to have two to four of these devices.

Catalytic converters function to get rid of toxic gas from your Audi’s exhaust. They are divided into three sections called beds. Each bed performs a certain function to clean the exhaust coming from out of your car.

The first section is the reduction bed. It is covered in rhodium and reduces nitrous oxide gas to its separated form: the elements of oxygen and nitrogen.

The second bed, in the middle of the catalytic converter, is the oxygen storage bed. It is covered in cerium, which functions to maintain the best oxygen levels for use in the last chamber of the converter. It keeps and puts out oxygen that is separated from nitrogen in the first bed.

The last chamber is called the oxidizing bed. It is coated with palladium and platinum. Combustion of any leftover CO2 is completed in this bed. Oxygen is also used in this bed to burn off any remaining hydrocarbons in your Audi’s exhaust gas.

Causes Of Catalytic Converter Failure

There are a couple of typical causes of catalytic converter failure, mostly relating to other parts of the engine, as the part usually doesn’t malfunction by itself. If the engine overheats due to coolant leaks or other problems, the internal parts of the convertor can melt and thus clog the passage of gas. Aside from overheating or a problem with the engine, the only remaining cause of catalytic converter failure is significant damage caused by accidents or other impacts on your Audi.

Causes of Overheating in the Engine

Because overheating is essentially the only reason a catalytic converter can fail, let’s go over some causes of an overheated engine. Catalytic converters overheat and melt if there is an engine problem resulting in too much gas being put into the exhaust system. Typical problems with the engine that can result in this problem are:

  • fuel injector leaks
  • spark plug corrosion
  • air leak in the intake manifold
  • bad ignition timing or coil
  • failed oxygen sensor
  • oil or coolant leaks
  • fuel pressure regulator leaks

Symptoms of Catalytic Converter Failure

There are a few symptoms to look out for when suspecting that your catalytic converter has failed.

  • Check engine light: The most apparent symptom of a failed catalytic converter is an illuminated check engine light. Though this can indicate any engine problem, an issue with the catalytic converter is one of the possible options.
  • Failed emissions test: If your catalytic converter isn’t functioning properly, you will have dangerous exhaust coming from your Audi. This will cause you to fail an emissions test and require an inspection.
  • Rotten egg smell in the exhaust: If the exhaust system is not working the way that it should, there will sometimes be an odd smell coming from your exhaust pipe due to unregulated gases.
  • Rattling sound under the car: Sometimes there are broken parts of the honeycomb system that make noise. If you hear a strange rattling sound, it could mean that the honeycomb parts of the catalytic converter are broken.

Carotech Automotive: Your Premier Auto Service Center

Located off of West Pico Boulevard in Audi Catalytic Converter Replacement Los Angeles, California, Carotech Automotive is your area’s premier automotive repair shop. We service any model of Audi along with a variety of other types of vehicles.

At Carotech Automotive, we only use the latest factory-grade tools and equipment. Our team consists of highly-trained mechanics ready to help you get your Audi back up and running as fast and as cost-efficiently as possible.

If you notice any of the above issues with your Audi relating to your catalytic converter or anything else, bring it in to see us. We’ll be more than happy to help you get back on the road quick, with confidence in your Audi. Let us show you why we are the best garage for your Audi’s maintenance and repairs. Call us today.