Been working on my 96 A4 12V for a couple of weeks replaced my AC Core etc. My timing belt is not due for replacement yet (only 40k on it) but I noticed a kinda of grumbling noise from the water pump so I decided to change it.

I replaced the belt tensioner, wasser pomp and belt along with the idler roller and despite having to remove a broken bolt in the pump it was fairly easy.I also changed the accessory belt.

Got it back together and everything runs fine except I have a squeal from the timing belt at higher RPMS. Idle is fine. Car come up to temp has normal power but there's this whine/ squeal at 3000RPM and up. It is the timing belt I removed the accessory belt to eliminate that.

Sounds a bit like a supercharger (and yes I did check I didn't install one by accident).

So whats wrong? It was kind of late when I got everything back together last night.

Did I get the tension wrong on the belt. The instructions allow the belt to be twisted by 90 degrees between the tensioner and cam pulley on the passenger side.My fingers may have developed extra strength during the last few weeks of car maintenance so maybe I got it wrong.

I am thinking that could be the problem. Don't know if its too loose or too tight .

Can I adjust the tensioner without removing the bumper or is only it possible in "service position".

I would appreciate input from anyone who has done this job.Meanwhile I am gonna park it until I figure it out.

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I have that picture too (from when you posted it last time I think)I probably should be able to twist it with very little force and I think I am tighter than than.

Oh well bumper off again!!

did a few at work on cars that have never had them done and i was surprised at how "floppy" they were, so it maybe is to tight.

Not as noticable at idle as at higher RPM's.

Thanks guys. I will tweak the tension back a bit.