C5 Camshaft Exhaust pulley

[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 http://imgur.com/CrOgJ5s. The part in question in numbered 5.

[Lighty]

I have seen this happen before, and have left the damper out. Doesn't seem th have a great affect on anything.