Hi all, i have a 1999 2.8 v6 30v and the cambelt was replaced 48k`s ago. was driving along and heard a rattle under bonnet. didnt think much of it, car was still running fine and no loss of power but 10 miles down road pulled over to inspect!!
The cambelt on the top side of engine was really loose and looks as though it was caused by the water pump tensioner failing. bottom half was still tight. Do you reckon any damage has been caused??. Dosent look as though any teeth have been slipped and the car was running fine till i pulled over and it never got started again!! Sorry for the long question. any help would be grateful.

 

whats the problem?? cam belt is always lose at the top depending on compression status

 

it is rattling some where under the bonnet and the belt is nearly lose enough to slide off the teethed pulleys with your fingers!! just dosent feel right. i havent started it again yet just in case it does some mega damage!! its like a tapping type noise cant quiet explain it

 

Just read your post. my 2.5TDI had a sheared off tensioner bolt and therfore the belt was slack on one side. I am waiting to hear the bad news. Have you resolved your problem.

 

You're probably OK. Sounds like the timing belt tensioner has gone and you caught it before any damage was done. Looks like you'll be doing your timing belt a bit earlier than expected.