Removing and installing belt tensioner (front) - country-specific version — AUDI
Removing and installing belt tensioner (front) - country-specific version on Audi: 10 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.
Workshop procedure for AUDI — the exact step sequence and torque figures, straight from real workshop data.
🧭 Before you start
Fits: Audi A3 (8V, 2012–2020); platform code 85
- Renewed: bolts for the belt system
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- Make sure electrical connectors are fitted correctly (as far as stop) and engage audibly.
📋 Procedure
- ⚠ Observe safety precautions when working on pyrotechnic components .Observe disposal regulations for pyrotechnic components . — Remove front seat .
- With ignition switched on, disconnect battery earth wire Electrical system27Battery; Disconnecting and connecting battery.
- Remove belt end fitting (front) .
- Unclip wiring harness (2) from side member and belt tensioner.
- Remove bolts (1).
- Pull belt tensioner (5) towards front out of mountings (3)(arrow).
- ⚠ Before handling pyrotechnic components (e.g. unplugging the electrical connector) the mechanic must discharge any static electricity. This can be done by briefly touching the door striker plate, or similar. — Unplug electrical connector (4) for belt tensioner (front).
- To do so, pull catch (1) in direction of (arrow) and unplug electrical connectors (2) and (3).
- ⚠ Observe safety precautions when working on pyrotechnic components .Before handling pyrotechnic components (e.g. plugging in the electrical connector) the mechanic must discharge any static electricity. This can be done by briefly touching the door striker plate, or similar. — If components of the belt system are removed following an accident, renew the bolts for the belt system. [Note: Make sure electrical connectors are fitted correctly (as far as stop) and engage audibly.]
- ⚠ The battery must be connected with the ignition switched on. If pyrotechnic components (e.g. airbag or belt tensioner) are inexpertly repaired, this may result in unwanted triggering after connecting the battery. There must not be anyone in the vehicle while you are connecting the battery. — With ignition switched on, connect battery earth wire Electrical system27Battery; Disconnecting and connecting battery.
Other AUDI procedures
- Removing and installing toothed belt – Audi · 56 torque figures
- Removing engine – Audi A8 D3 · 41 torque figures
- Removing camshaft timing chain from camshafts – Audi A6/A7 C7 · 38 torque figures
- Installing engine – Audi A8 D4 · 36 torque figures
- Removing and installing camshaft timing chain · 29 torque figures
Who makes these pages, and how
TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.
The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.
Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.