Camshaft Locking Tool

[blue28]

My timing chain tensioner has started rattling on start up. I know I've read comments on here about some of the camshaft locking tools being cheap and snapping. Any recommendations on brands to look for? I was going to get the Schwaben one off ECS but its out of stock for a couple weeks. Nobody rents this tool do they?

[klrider44]

I have the legit assenmacher tool if you want to purchase it from me. I have the socket needed as well. PM me if your interested.


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[Jayz691]

Assenmacher is the best one, imo. Best bit is the schwaben ribe bit. Its slightly oversized, and harder to strip the bolt with. It fits much more snug.

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[bwdysart]

You don’t really need the cam locking tool, it is easy to set the timing by counting the links on the chain, which is something you should do even if you use the locking tool


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[Theiceman]

You don’t really need the cam locking tool, it is easy to set the timing by counting the links on the chain, which is something you should do even if you use the locking tool


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yup. locking tool is often wrong. But i see how some people are nervous about locking down cams with vice grips while trying to undo that MF bolt. I did it without the tool no worries.

[blue28]

You don’t really need the cam locking tool, it is easy to set the timing by counting the links on the chain, which is something you should do even if you use the locking tool

yup. locking tool is often wrong. But i see how some people are nervous about locking down cams with vice grips while trying to undo that MF bolt. I did it without the tool no worries.

I definitely planned on counting the links. I thought the tool was necessary to get the bolt free without breaking something but it looks like it's possible to do it without the tool. I'll probably get one anyway just to be safe

[bwdysart]

I guess I didn’t think about getting that bolt out, I was replacing the intake cam so I didn’t even take the bolt out, I just slipped the chain off after the cam was out, but this isn’t ideal if you’re just changing the chain


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[Theiceman]

I guess I didn’t think about getting that bolt out, I was replacing the intake cam so I didn’t even take the bolt out, I just slipped the chain off after the cam was out, but this isn’t ideal if you’re just changing the chain


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absolutely if you have to lift the cradle i would not even think of messing with that bolt. not sure how tricky it is to line up the links that way but i would not think too bad.

[Jayz691]

Tool is more for locking it in place, to remove bolt. Can do with vice grips, but chews it up a bit, and can leave pieces of metal to clean up, if it slips. Lock tool is the "correct" way ta do it, but don't buy a cheap one. Some just have little screws that hold the pins in, and they'll bend and snap.

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[Theiceman]

Tool is more for locking it in place, to remove bolt. Can do with vice grips, but chews it up a bit, and can leave pieces of metal to clean up, if it slips. Lock tool is the "correct" way ta do it, but don't buy a cheap one. Some just have little screws that hold the pins in, and they'll bend and snap.

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That's why i wrap the cam with denim. And use two sets.but these cams are hollow so I admit there is risk. However small.

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[Plxa4q7]

I’ve used the assenmacher cam lock tool on three separate occasions to hold the exhaust cam while loosening / tightening the cam adjuster bolt and it has worked like a charm each time. I do agree with Theiceman that the tool has some slop so assuming that your cams will be in time with the tool alone is asking for trouble. The tool gets you close, but you definitely need to count links to be 100%

[Jayz691]

I’ve used the assenmacher cam lock tool on three separate occasions to hold the exhaust cam while loosening / tightening the cam adjuster bolt and it has worked like a charm each time. I do agree with Theiceman that the tool has some slop so assuming that your cams will be in time with the tool alone is asking for trouble. The tool gets you close, but you definitely need to count links to be 100%

Oh, absolutely. Think its 19 pins. Def count, tool just keeps it in place properly. Plus, I got mine for basically nothing. Bought a cam chain kit and tools off someone that bought it, and never installed. So got a great deal. May have been different if I had to pay $100 for the cam lock tool, lol.

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[Yogibara]

Just got bit in the ass by the knock-off bug when I tried to break loose the bolt and the damn tool snapped at the tiny screw, just like Jayz691 stated. What a POS. Luckily I'll get Amazon to give me my 65 dollars back. Oh and to top things off the Assenmacher tool doesn't appear to be available anywhere at the moment. The Schwaben is the only one I could find that might not be junk. There's an "OEM" brand being sold on eBay as well.

I've seen it done with vice grips as well. I might be forced to do that.

[FatMongo]

Just got bit in the ass by the knock-off bug when I tried to break loose the bolt and the damn tool snapped at the tiny screw, just like Jayz691 stated. What a POS. Luckily I'll get Amazon to give me my 65 dollars back. Oh and to top things off the Assenmacher tool doesn't appear to be available anywhere at the moment. The Schwaben is the only one I could find that might not be junk. There's an "OEM" brand being sold on eBay as well.

I've seen it done with vice grips as well. I might be forced to do that.

If you want to borrow my Assenmacher poly drive socket, PM me your address and I'll have it in the mail for you tomorrow. You just have to promise to send it back when you are done.

[Yogibara]

If you want to borrow my Assenmacher poly drive socket, PM me your address and I'll have it in the mail for you tomorrow. You just have to promise to send it back when you are done.

Hey I really appreciate the offer. I in fact have the poly drive socket. It’s the locking tool I have that shit the bed. I managed to pop that adjuster bolt with a combo of the crappy tool and a set of vice grips. IMG_3539.jpg
It marred the intake cam a tad but I’m not too worried about metal shavings since I’ll be removing the head anyway as part of my rebuild. Side note, holy hell was that adjuster bolt tough to break loose! I had to use a breaker bar and my floor jack pole as an extension.


I made my 2007 A4 a star on YouTube @ Yogi’s Garage

[Theiceman]

Hey I really appreciate the offer. I in fact have the poly drive socket. It’s the locking tool I have that shit the bed. I managed to pop that adjuster bolt with a combo of the crappy tool and a set of vice grips. IMG_3539.jpg
It marred the intake cam a tad but I’m not too worried about metal shavings since I’ll be removing the head anyway as part of my rebuild. Side note, holy hell was that adjuster bolt tough to break loose! I had to use a breaker bar and my floor jack pole as an extension.


I made my 2007 A4 a star on YouTube @ Yogi’s Garage

Mine sounded like a gun shot when it popped.

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[Yogibara]

Mine did too! I thought I broke the bit!



I made my 2007 A4 a star on YouTube @ Yogi’s Garage