You can re-install the old balance shaft module and not replace the idler gear if:
1) The crankshaft or crankshaft drive gear has not been removed or renewed
2) The idler gear has not been loosened.
This is stated in the Audi factory repair manual (ElsaWin). It's probably presumed that the backlash won't change if the exact same balance shaft module is installed and none of the gears have been changed.
And to this question "Question, can I remove the oil pump to replace the shaft and hex key by removing the sump alone and not having to touch any of the timing belt and accessories (without having to remove the bumper and gubbings)? It is a BRD 170 Quattro"
In theory it's probably possible to replace the balance shaft and hex key without removing the front bumper, but in practice it might be very difficult. The reason is that you have to time the balance shafts to the crankshaft correctly. Normally this is done by locking the crankshaft in TDC with a special locking tool and then locking the balance shafts in a certain position with another special tool when doing the install. This way the timing will be correct. If you don't remove the bumper (and everything else needed to uncover the timing belt and drive gear), you can't lock the crankshaft in TDC. This means you can't use the special locking tool for the BS-unit either.
I suppose you could mark the gear positions very carefully and then get the timing right, but personally I would go the extra mile and do it right (I just did this job before christmas). Removing the bumper and placing the lock carrier into service position is not really that big of job, provided you have a Haynes manual and preferably the WinElsa manual also. And it really pays to read the instructions for the whole job beforehand at least a couple of times (I read them probably 5-10 times
) so you know exactly what tools and parts you need and what to expect.
And also, it's very handy to do your timing belt at the same time as this job.
- jussi
1) The crankshaft or crankshaft drive gear has not been removed or renewed
2) The idler gear has not been loosened.
This is stated in the Audi factory repair manual (ElsaWin). It's probably presumed that the backlash won't change if the exact same balance shaft module is installed and none of the gears have been changed.
And to this question "Question, can I remove the oil pump to replace the shaft and hex key by removing the sump alone and not having to touch any of the timing belt and accessories (without having to remove the bumper and gubbings)? It is a BRD 170 Quattro"
In theory it's probably possible to replace the balance shaft and hex key without removing the front bumper, but in practice it might be very difficult. The reason is that you have to time the balance shafts to the crankshaft correctly. Normally this is done by locking the crankshaft in TDC with a special locking tool and then locking the balance shafts in a certain position with another special tool when doing the install. This way the timing will be correct. If you don't remove the bumper (and everything else needed to uncover the timing belt and drive gear), you can't lock the crankshaft in TDC. This means you can't use the special locking tool for the BS-unit either.
I suppose you could mark the gear positions very carefully and then get the timing right, but personally I would go the extra mile and do it right (I just did this job before christmas). Removing the bumper and placing the lock carrier into service position is not really that big of job, provided you have a Haynes manual and preferably the WinElsa manual also. And it really pays to read the instructions for the whole job beforehand at least a couple of times (I read them probably 5-10 times
) so you know exactly what tools and parts you need and what to expect.And also, it's very handy to do your timing belt at the same time as this job.
- jussi
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