What is a cam chain tensioner?

[ghettokartel]

Hi Everybody

Can someone please tell me what a cam chain tensioner is and what it does? Is it a big job to replace one in a car?

Many thanks

 

[HDi fun]

It's a device which literally maintains the correct tension in the chain(s) which drive the camshafts and sometimes other components as well.

There are many types of tensioner arrangement and some are better than others.

Does your car use chains to drive the camshafts? Most vehicles are still using belts to do this job, although the resurgence in returning to chain driven cams seems to be gaining momentum.

 

[lutonmatt]

far as i know all audis are belt driven
some do have a chain at the back of the cams but that wont have a tensioner

what is it doing

 

[pgarner]

some do and some dont mate. worst thing is the same engine in one model can be belt but changed to chain in another

 

[HDi fun]

Chains are inherently more robust - they generally do not need replacing at all.