For the cam seals & cam chain gaskets, yes, the TB has to be removed. Why? Well, the cams need to come out a bit to get at the gaskets, & lift up the chain tensioner.

I just did this job over New Years weekend. Trust me, the TB has to be off.

 

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE TIMING BELT TO REMOVE THE CAM CHAIN TENSIONER GASKETS. You remove the Valve Covers then use a 3366 tool tocompress the cam chain tensioner and release the gaskets. Slip the new gaskets in place and retighten the tensioner. Then replace the valve cover gaskets.

Here's a link to the whole procedure: http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/517769.phtml

 

True, I have done this on a slightly older A6 2.8l there are just two little posts that are coming up from ether side that makes it a PITA. just takes a bit of wiggling. we have a tool that is a screw with a piece of plastic on it that compresses the cam chain I belive. But I dont think it is possible without the tool. so you may be takin the belts off.

 

Right, but for the cam seals & end caps, you NEED TO REMOVE THE TB! To do the whole job the TB needs to be removed. There is no way around it.

 

I stand corrected...I thought you meant the cam chain tensioner gaskets.

 

No worries, we all need to called on. I was talking about the whole job, the VGC, TCG & cam seals. They all leak about the same.