B8 Timing chain/tensioner

[mahunik]

Im approaching 110k miles on my 2010 Audi A4 and im curious if I will need to do this timing chain at some point. I have read that timing chains generally don't need to be replaced compared to timing belts but I could be wrong for this particular car. I have noticed that when I rev that car in idle when the revs come back down there is a faint rattle/tin noise. It's not a loud or bad noise but might that be the timing tensioner? And how complicated is this actual job as a DIY because everything done to this car I would perfer to do myself since I'm a college student who can't afford expensive labor hours. Any help or input would be appreciated.

[Jaydog0910]

I have read that the tensioner has flaws on the b8 a4. If you search you should find some horror stories, that can cost between 5-15k. I am getting up there at 140k km's (around 90 miles) so I called the dealership last week, they said I probably want to get replaced before 160k km, and that they have a new tensioner that is much better. They said if I ever hear the chain, or I start the car and I hear the chain rattle, to stop driving and tow it to the dealer because failure could be imminent.

[mahunik]

Yeah I don't have any kind of rattle at start up just a faint metallic noise when the rpms come down after revving. What are some other symptoms?

[SDF1]

If your planning on keeping the car, it's worth the peace of mind.
I had ~70k miles and I was doing stage 2. Audi's CPO Covered the chain and tensioner under warranty because they were stretched to the max. So at 110k... search around to see how much it would cost but parts are cheap, its just the labor.

[Jaydog0910]

They were able to check the tensioner? My dealership said that they couldn't check it without taking a bunch of stuff apart. Did you have any symptoms that would make them think there was a problem with the chain? Maybe I'm getting the run around

[S4_SH1640]

If the chain tensioner is on its way out, it will give you a code, some kind of misfire or out of timing code. Sometimes my car didnt even want to turn on when the tensioner was bad, but as soon as i realized it was the tensioner then i changed it.

I dont think this is a job where you should do yourself. however, in most cases all you need to do is change the tensioner and not the chains if you want to go the cheap route. Depending on how bad everything is, and at 110k miles i can say that your tensioner may be the problem of the noise. I changed all the chains and chain guides, and ofcourse the tensioner because it was all the way out, and i was afraid that it stretched the chain. In other words dont let it go to far.

[kdaffy]

Ugh, another thing to worry about. I may just replace mine in the near future as I'm now just shy of 80k miles. I did learn there is a class action suit that will be filed in the coming weeks just for this issue.

[mahunik]

If the chain tensioner is on its way out, it will give you a code, some kind of misfire or out of timing code. Sometimes my car didnt even want to turn on when the tensioner was bad, but as soon as i realized it was the tensioner then i changed it.

I dont think this is a job where you should do yourself. however, in most cases all you need to do is change the tensioner and not the chains if you want to go the cheap route. Depending on how bad everything is, and at 110k miles i can say that your tensioner may be the problem of the noise. I changed all the chains and chain guides, and ofcourse the tensioner because it was all the way out, and i was afraid that it stretched the chain. In other words dont let it go to far.

Upon more investigation with my brother the sound seems to come from the turbo and im 99% sure its the wastegates rattling. My brother has a 135 N54 which are notorious for the wastegates rattling

[Slick_B8]

Have someone give your car slight revs and check for the rattling by the turbo. If you hear the rattle by the turbo area, its most likely the turbo

[S4_SH1640]

Use one of those mechanics stethoscope and usually you will find exactly where the rattle is coming from.

[quattroforlife]

Ahh shit. 72k here and stage 2 and now this got me thinking that I do hear some rattling and as described "metallic noise"

[mahunik]

Yeah it's pretty much boost related and the sound comes right from the turbo. After looking up numerous videos it is indeed waste gate rattle which is not really a bad thing . As far as the chain goes I don't think I'll play with it until it needs to be done

[bluetori]

Ugh, another thing to worry about. I may just replace mine in the near future as I'm now just shy of 80k miles. I did learn there is a class action suit that will be filed in the coming weeks just for this issue.

Really?

[doowopaudi]

Really?

Yup.
https://defectiveconsumerproducts.wordpress.com/

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613881

[oshwi]

@mahunik unfortunately if it needs to be done, usually its a little too late and theres already some sort of timing failure.

[Mike@PureMS]

Audi revised the tensioners on these models. Older ones were very prone to failure and catastrophic engine damage. I believe most of the older styles were installed on the VW's from 2008.5-2010-ish. On the A4 2009 and 2010's had the early style tensioner.

If you have the older style tensioner, you should replace it. It's something that can be inspected from a small inspection hold on the lower timing cover. From it, you can at least tell if the tensioner is the old style, and if it's fully extended due to some other issue.

The guides generally last a while with proper oil changes and such. I haven't seen a guide fail yet, but it's certainly possible. You'll get chain rattle, and you'll likely see the tensioner fully extended.

There are 3 chains however, one for the cams, one for the balance shaft, and one for the oil pump. Only the chains for the cams are visible through the inspection hole. The others require removing the lower engine cover.

[themadscientist]

It's best to think of the chain as a timing belt on that engine. Replace everything at 80k. The guides wear out and the chains develop a slight amount of slack over time. Even a revised tensioner can only do so much.

[kdaffy]

Thought this info would be helpful...feel free to link to other threads if you'd like.

Received the following from one of the class action attorneys:

"A class action was filed on April 21, 2016, in New York Federal District Court (Eastern District) against Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and its divisions together with Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft and Audi Aktiengesellschaft for monetary damages caused by the defective timing chain tensioner and chain in the 2008-2013 2.0L TSI engine.
We (co-counsel and myself) are still very interested in your participation as a class representative in the pending class action since the facts in your case would be beneficial to the entire class. If there is any further information or assistance you require to make a decision whether to directly participate, please let me know. Should you decide not to participate as a class representative, you will remain a member of the class when and if certified unless you decide to opt out at the appropriate juncture."

Originally they were looking for representatives in the NY area, but now it seems that is no longer a constraint. If you want to get involved, you can pm for details or go here: https://defectiveconsumerproducts.wordpress.com/

[Allowencer]

I got the same thing with some other info above that from that lawyer as him and I have been in contact a few times.