C5 Camshaft Exhaust Pulley (2003 Petrol)

[garethb]

I had been hearing a noise coming from my timing belt area and thought it was the water pump. I was doing a change on my timing belt/water pump change on a 2003 C5 petrol, and noticed that the exhaust camshaft pulley has a damper on the inside. However the damper has become lose and basically fell out when I took the timing belt cover off. I've been told this is common with ew10j4 with the 4 bolt crank pulley and if I can't afford a replacement pulley I can just leave the damper out (coming form a pug owner with same engine and problem). Just want to get other opinions as I'm planning a big trip over the christmas break........

 

See image here attached. The part in question is numbered 5.

Edited December 14, 2013 by garethb

[coastline taxis]

The dampner is there to help reduce vibration.  to much vibration can throw the pulley of the camshaft which will end up with bent valves or a replacement engine.   cant really see anyone giving advice on that as the end result could be pretty bad. So i think the choice has to be yours.  but for what its worth i wouldnt as its just to risky