THE Timing Chain Tensioner Failure Thread

[Charles.waite]

Pretty much. It was beyond obvious that they sold untested engines, particularly the undersized pistons display this and they got nailed in some countries for it. Unfortunately, as it pertains to timing sets, they've been pulling beta testing since the early 2000s.

I always joke the b7 FSI was a public beta test for direct injection.

We have the same daily Diverter valve, but our HPFP’s and intake cams like to blow up because the flat tappet cam follower is a fundamentally flawed design. My 2008 has the “revised” cam but still failed catastrophically. Sadly, I inherited the issue from a shitty seller. The car drove fine and there were zero codes, but the damage was already done at 54k when I bought it, and I would have gotten stuck with a $5000 engine repair except I replace that shit myself for $1000 in parts only 2 months after I bought the car from a BMW dealer in Oregon. But I digress, VAG likes to test new designs on the public and revise on the manufacturing line, evidently.

[coastal]

My 2012 A4 has 97,000 miles on it. I'm going to get the tensioner changed, but what else exactly should be done at the same time? I've tried to search but this thread is very long. What is the cam bridge screen?

[Kolbenringe]

My 2012 A4 has 97,000 miles on it. I'm going to get the tensioner changed, but what else exactly should be done at the same time? I've tried to search but this thread is very long. What is the cam bridge screen?

I found out by searching, so don't know how it's not working for you unless you just can't be bothered. We have some ten years of information about this. You could even search the cam bridge screen, it will tell you exactly what it is. I also tested the search and it's functioning for this topic quite well, along with using google.

I did the entire job myself using only the instructions provided here. There's even a DIY thread here with all the parts, easily found via google and tons of videos, too.

[Novarider]

My 2012 A4 has 97,000 miles on it. I'm going to get the tensioner changed, but what else exactly should be done at the same time? I've tried to search but this thread is very long. What is the cam bridge screen?

Tensioner, chains, guides at a minimum. If you have the money change the cam bridge, if not just remove the screen from the existing bridge.most likely need a new timing cover as well. Most people mess it up during removal. You'll want to change the oil after as well.

[coastal]

Thank you Novarider and old guy, this is exactly what I wanted to know. Glad I joined this site.

Thank you too Kolbenringe for your tutorial on searching, and the use of that crazy new website called google

[elscotto80]

Thank you Novarider and old guy, this is exactly what I wanted to know. Glad I joined this site.

Thank you too Kolbenringe for your tutorial on searching, and the use of that crazy new website called google

They gave you the TLDR. I suggest you read this entire thread to fully understand whats been documented.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[old guy]

Clicky click®

[Charles.waite]

All 1600+ posts...haha.

But seriously there is plenty to learn about these engines as far as keeping them healthy. I, for instance, never actually knew about the oil separator stuff you guys just posted so that’s very interesting. Hopefully I don’t need to start replacing more stuff on the Q5 in the near future. Though PCV stuff is usually easy in these newer engines than it was back in the 1.8t days.

[Justin B8]

So I received a letter today from the Claims Administrator.

They do not like the documentation I sent them regarding receipts and proof of mileage. They've given me 30 days to provide "supporting documentation. I already sent receipts for the parts (Genuine Audi, from audipartsonline.com) and copies of the VCDS log with the VIN and the mileage. So now they're going to get notarized receipts, and notarized logs and pics of the odometer, as well as photos of the old and the new parts. I'm half tempted to send them the box of old parts in the wrappers for the new ones, as I saved everything. Or maybe just the packaging for the new parts with the part numbers.

Note: I suspect they're having a hissy fit because they didn't find a labor charge on the receipts. I did the work myself, proactively, as my old style tensioner was on its last notch with the VCDS actual/specified offset at -6deg.
I don't have high hopes that I'll get reimbursed my $680 in parts, but it was worth the cost of postage and a half an hour to pull the info together.

[Novarider]

So I received a letter today from the Claims Administrator.

They do not like the documentation I sent them regarding receipts and proof of mileage. They've given me 30 days to provide "supporting documentation. I already sent receipts for the parts (Genuine Audi, from audipartsonline.com) and copies of the VCDS log with the VIN and the mileage. So now they're going to get notarized receipts, and notarized logs and pics of the odometer, as well as photos of the old and the new parts. I'm half tempted to send them the box of old parts in the wrappers for the new ones, as I saved everything. Or maybe just the packaging for the new parts with the part numbers.

Note: I suspect they're having a hissy fit because they didn't find a labor charge on the receipts. I did the work myself, proactively, as my old style tensioner was on its last notch with the VCDS actual/specified offset at -6deg.
I don't have high hopes that I'll get reimbursed my $680 in parts, but it was worth the cost of postage and a half an hour to pull the info together.

I got the same letter. I called and the lady "escalated" it to find out exactly what they want since I sent in what was required.

[Justin B8]

I got the same letter. I called and the lady "escalated" it to find out exactly what they want since I sent in what was required.

Good to know; I'll call as well.

[prkieffer]

got a letter requesting the shop that did the work phone number etc. i already provided that and it is all included in the paperwork. lame. looks like they are looking for reasons to deny claims. everything they needed i submitted.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[elscotto80]

got a letter requesting the shop that did the work phone number etc. i already provided that and it is all included in the paperwork. lame. looks like they are looking for reasons to deny claims. everything they needed i submitted.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Same here. It asked for the name and all of the Audi/very dealer that did the work. I had mine done at an Indy shop and their name/address and phone number are on the damn invoice. I suppose I will have to call in Monday.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Novarider]

Same here. It asked for the name and all of the Audi/very dealer that did the work. I had mine done at an Indy shop and their name/address and phone number are on the damn invoice. I suppose I will have to call in Monday.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Yeah letter says name and address of the "dealership" the work was performed at. The lady said it doesn't have to be a dealership, that's why she escalated mine.

[Charles.waite]

Sounds like they’re trying to minimize claims based on some vague/obfuscating language and asking for already provided information. That’s pretty shady. Basically making you work extra for it even though you already provided the information.

[Novarider]

Sounds like they’re trying to minimize claims based on some vague/obfuscating language and asking for already provided information. That’s pretty shady. Basically making you work extra for it even though you already provided the information.

I predicted this when we started sending in our info. They are going to exclude everyone they can.

[cuda2000]

Sounds like they’re trying to minimize claims based on some vague/obfuscating language and asking for already provided information. That’s pretty shady. Basically making you work extra for it even though you already provided the information.

I got the SAME letter saying I need to provide address and phone number to audi dealer that performed the work and I also gave them the invoice and credit card receipt from an independent shop when I filed. Total BS! Guess I'll be calling on Monday also. :(timing%20chain%20letter-1.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

[JD23]

I got the SAME letter saying I need to provide address and phone number to audi dealer that performed the work and I also gave them the invoice and credit card receipt from an independent shop when I filed. Total BS! Guess I'll be calling on Monday also. :(
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

Audi is probably sending this letter to everyone who applied for reimbursement in the hope that it can summarily reject the claims for those who do not respond within 30 days.

[elscotto80]

Audi is probably sending this letter to everyone who applied for reimbursement in the hope that it can summarily reject the claims for those who do not respond within 30 days.

Do you think it's "Audi" that's really behind these letters? Isn't it the folks that are behind the class action that are working on our behalf to get us and them paid?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[cuda2000]

Do you think it's "Audi" that's really behind these letters? Isn't it the folks that are behind the class action that are working on our behalf to get us and them paid?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

The letter came from the lawyer team from the class action. Probably the fewer claims they pay out the more money they keep. Who knows, I want $800. They get something like $20 million. It's all BS

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

[JD23]

Do you think it's "Audi" that's really behind these letters? Isn't it the folks that are behind the class action that are working on our behalf to get us and them paid?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

The other possibility is that there is nothing nefarious occurring, just that the people reviewing the submissions are barely literate.

[JD23]

Glad I dumped my car a few weeks ago before the tensioner popped and I would have had to deal with navigating Audi's "extended warranty" on the timing system. Given previous history, it's unsurprising that Audi would try to weasel out of paying legitimate claims.

[Kolbenringe]

Typically, their job is to reject on the first attempt for remunaration and/or make the processes difficult to try and reduce the numbers of claims. Mind you, this is a company with now billions in liabilities and it's slowly losing its immunity in its home country, where these companies have enjoyed essentially unlimited protection from consumers.

[prkieffer]

please post if you received a check or notice of payment instead of more documentation requests.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[elscotto80]

So I called today regarding the letter I received asking for the dealership address the work was completed. 30 minutes to speak to someone!

Finally got through and explained that I didn't understand what it was asking for since the shops name, address and phone number are on the invoice. He took down my info and someone is supposed to call me back in a few days to tell me more.

He did say they are in process of reviewing all claims, so no new information really.

I'll let everyone know what I get out of the second call later this week.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[cuda2000]

So I called today regarding the letter I received asking for the dealership address the work was completed. 30 minutes to speak to someone!

Finally got through and explained that I didn't understand what it was asking for since the shops name, address and phone number are on the invoice. He took down my info and someone is supposed to call me back in a few days to tell me more.

He did say they are in process of reviewing all claims, so no new information really.

I'll let everyone know what I get out of the second call later this week.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Ugh, I'm just going to mail it in, I'll send it certified mail so I have some proof they got it. Please let us know if you get a call back though!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

[SDF1]

Anyone in Canada try claiming the work?

[dgreeen]

Also received the insufficient information letter when I clearly submitted the receipt including the indy shop information; are all of you resubmitting the information again online or thru physical mail?

[elscotto80]

Also received the insufficient information letter when I clearly submitted the receipt including the indy shop information; are all of you resubmitting the information again online or thru physical mail?

I called today (waited for 30 minutes for someone to pick up) and they took my info and said someone would call me back in a couple of days. Hopefully i get a call back soon and will post here with what I find out. Mine says i need to respond by April 4th or something.

[Kolbenringe]

Make sure to spread wide and far to not give up after an initial rejection and don't "give Audi the benefit of the doubt". There's a bloodbath going on in Germany right now with the managements and how to deal with international crimes they've committed regarding dieselgate, and they are firing managers and engineers in an effort to turn the company around and reinstill trust. There's a reason for this. The "benefit of the doubt" has been thrown out long ago and it's a job in every industry where remuneration is required to reject the first attempt because it will knock off a not-insignificant number off the payouts.


We really have to stop being naive and be more educated on the issues. The company is having huge problems right now and they aren't getting better, plus their protection ends at Germany's borders. For the bloodbath details, look up Germany's Manager magazine and use google translate if you have to. The company is bleeding billions right now and several VW heads have international arrest warrants and can't leave Germany without risk of extradition and prosecution.

Benefit of the doubt for parts with 50 revisions that all failed, such as timing chain tensioners?

BTW- for those complaining about the 30 minute wait, Audi makes consumers here leave a message, then they answer in 14-21 DAYS, even for imminent issues, and then they answer back with nothing of substance, then if you reply, there's another 14-21 days. Should I give them the benefit of the doubt when this is how they behave on their home territory?

[elscotto80]

Make sure to spread wide and far to not give up after an initial rejection and don't "give Audi the benefit of the doubt". There's a bloodbath going on in Germany right now with the managements and how to deal with international crimes they've committed regarding dieselgate, and they are firing managers and engineers in an effort to turn the company around and reinstill trust. There's a reason for this. The "benefit of the doubt" has been thrown out long ago and it's a job in every industry where remuneration is required to reject the first attempt because it will knock off a not-insignificant number off the payouts.


We really have to stop being naive and be more educated on the issues. The company is having huge problems right now and they aren't getting better, plus their protection ends at Germany's borders. For the bloodbath details, look up Germany's Manager magazine and use google translate if you have to. The company is bleeding billions right now and several VW heads have international arrest warrants and can't leave Germany without risk of extradition and prosecution.

Benefit of the doubt for parts with 50 revisions that all failed, such as timing chain tensioners?

BTW- for those complaining about the 30 minute wait, Audi makes consumers here leave a message, then they answer in 14-21 DAYS, even for imminent issues, and then they answer back with nothing of substance, then if you reply, there's another 14-21 days. Should I give them the benefit of the doubt when this is how they behave on their home territory?

Well said. I would be pissed waiting that long for any kind of response.

Will update when I hear back.

[cuda2000]

Well said. I would be pissed waiting that long for any kind of response.

Will update when I hear back.

I called the number today and after 25 minutes of hold music, I was told even though I claim I already sent it in, I will need to mail it in or email it in again with my claim number. Rules are rules.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

[elscotto80]

I called the number today and after 25 minutes of hold music, I was told even though I claim I already sent it in, I will need to mail it in or email it in again with my claim number. Rules are rules.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

Can you elaborate a little more? What letter did you get? What did you ask? How can you submit the claim online again - the deadline already passed. Did they give you a way to submit it again online?

Need some more details.

- - - Updated - - -

Got my letter today. Time to get on the phone tomorrow. I'll call the number at the top of the letter: 1-855-206-9873. Anyone call a different number?

Thats the number I called at the top of the letter. What did your letter state?

[NYDCB]

Phew! Glad I'm not the only one. On it!

[kaz02a4]

Got my letter today. Time to get on the phone tomorrow. I'll call the number at the top of the letter: 1-855-206-9873. Anyone call a different number?

[kaz02a4]

I got the same letter as post #1641. It states that my information was "insufficient". In essence, they're stating that my documentation was incomplete because I got the work done at an independent dealer rather than an official VW/Audi dealer.

[prkieffer]

in the paperwork they mailed out it states you can have the work done at audi or authorized vw audi dealer? are they considering our rejections as not audi vw authorized? just some other version of an indy shop?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[cuda2000]

in the paperwork they mailed out it states you can have the work done at audi or authorized vw audi dealer? are they considering our rejections as not audi vw authorized? just some other version of an indy shop?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

The person you talk to on the phone is zero help. She would not acknowledge or look up what I had already submitted. I have to assume everyone that did not have the work done at an audi dealer is being rejected straight away. The person said what to do is send in the proof again via email with claim number clearly stated, or send via mail postmarked within 30 days. That is what I was told. We have no control at this point.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Audizine mobile app

[kaz02a4]

There is a thread going on right now on The Car Lounge regarding this, for anyone interested: https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...#post113156563

I'm going to call today and see what I can find.

[kaz02a4]

Just got off the phone with a rep. He told me to resubmit the claim with a personal letter stating the name and address that you got the repair work done at. He also confirmed to me that the settlement will honor work done at an independent shop. My idea is this: I'll send in that letter via mail within a week to at least have that base covered. I will also include a business card and blown-up letterhead of the shop's name and contact info, just so they can't miss it. If they want to give me a hard time, fine. I'll do battle if we cross that bridge. But until then, the rep reassured me that they will honor work done at an independent dealer.

Let's see where this one goes...