Cam follower, who had to replace parts other than the follower/pump? Trying to get #s

[lockeed]

Read a lot on this issue, couple questions I can't really answer off the bat after the hundreds of threads I read. Maybe if enough of you could answer some questions we'd get a better understanding of the solutions and get a certain % and numbers.

1) How many of you guys only had to replace the follower and/or complete fuel pump and solved the problem? (meaning that the car was drivable after only that part was replaced)

2) How many of you had to also replace the cam or other inner parts?

3) Those of you who took the valve cover off, did you find debris in there or most of the debris were in the oil pan?

Just purchased an 08 A4 that isn't running because the previous owner had a failure of the cam follower and wasn't willing to put in the time or money in to repair it. He was able to drive the car back home after the failure but had no power. I got it cheap and car only has 119,000km (74,300 miles) and it's in very good condition. I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle to try to get Audi Canada and a dealer involved in this..? Lots of owners had their car repaired under some sort of extended warranty coverage... Not sure what Audi decided for Canadian owners thought...

Thanks

[EuroxS4]

I suspect the car wasnt well maintained as the cam followers issue was only on the earlier cars and some 07 cars also.It did not apply to 08 vehicles.That being said.Depend how long the car was driven for.With result is the amount of wear you have.if you pull out the follower and its worn all the way through it.Meaning it has a big old hole in it.You will need the pum,follower and intake cam.There is per say no debris.I mean there is some.But all if not most of it will be in the rear cam cover.This cover is separate from the engine.Still have oil passages but very small.So chances of debris getting picked up into the motor is small.Cars like that I would be checking to make sure you dont have any blocked oil passages in the head or any sludge.But youll know that once you pull the valve cover.

I dont think the extension applies to 2008 cars from what I remember only 2005 and 2006.I have seen a few 2007 vehicles as well.But no 2008 cars.
Personally I would be looking at fuel trims and duty cycle of the intake pump this will tell you if you have a fueling issue or not.From there you can check wether It needs the intank pump,or filter or the high fuel pressure pump follower and cam.

In your position I would make sure that the vehicle has the correct low and high fuel pressure sensors in it.I have seen where a switch was bad and the car had no power.I have also seen the wrong high fuel pressure switch in the rail installed would cause the car not to have power above 2000rpms.Car would not rev past 4000rpms.

[Low and Behold]

Extension doesn't apply to 2008's. Definitely applies to the rest of them, assuming your vin number falls into Audi's extension. Mine's at the dealer as we speak getting everything replaced under warranty - I'm picking it up tomorrow.

Have you inspected the damage yourself?

[adam044]

Had a hole in my follower at 90k+ miles. Original for all I know. I had to replace the HPFP due to a CEL because the tip of the pump had worn down a little. I'm not sure what else if anything is damaged. I have not checked the follower again since I replaced it and the pump about 3k? miles ago.

Going to check it when I change the oil, if its wearing out I'll have to make a decision to get the intake cam replaced or just really be on top of changing the follower... forever... I'm due for a timing belt job so I'd have both things done at the same time. I am nervous to look.

[lockeed]

Thanks for the info guys. This is what I find really weird, mine is an 08... they weren't supposed to be affected by this follower issue and somehow, it's completely torn appart. There's actually no end cap on it, it sheered off completely or got worn out entirely to a point where it started to wear on the small rod/spring and broke it... Not a good sight. And, the cam lobe has a flat spot and scuffs on it, which tells me it'll probably NEED to be replaced... Any of you did the HPFP and cam replacement yourself with the engine in place? (without dropping the engine)

[Theiceman]

i replaced the pump and follower and my follower was like yours smoothed out the cam lobe so it didnt wear out the new follower.
cam lobe activates a plunger only, no critical timing on that lobe. im stock and no codes or performance issues before hand.

i put in a magnetic pickup but nothing on it so far and no fragments found in timing cover or valve cover

[lockeed]

Good to hear - that's what I'll probably try first, just replace that pump and follower and see what happen....

[pezgoon]

You dont need to drop the engine to replace the cam, it can be done in the bay and you also dont need to put it in service mode but it will suck to do, may be doing it for another AZer soon, we just replaced his pump and follower atm though but have to replace his N75 tonight before knowing how much the new pump will help

[ballinb5]

Has anyone with an 08 A4 ever gotten Audi to replace their cam, follower, and HPFP? I'm in the same boat as others with a worn cam and HPFP due to previous owner not doing anything about the follower.

I called AOA and my VIN does not qualify for the warranty extension. It's at the shop now ready to do the work for about $730 so wondering if I should just get it done or try to get covered from AOA?

Thanks!

[Charles.waite]

Thanks for the info guys. This is what I find really weird, mine is an 08... they weren't supposed to be affected by this follower issue and somehow, it's completely torn appart. There's actually no end cap on it, it sheered off completely or got worn out entirely to a point where it started to wear on the small rod/spring and broke it... Not a good sight. And, the cam lobe has a flat spot and scuffs on it, which tells me it'll probably NEED to be replaced... Any of you did the HPFP and cam replacement yourself with the engine in place? (without dropping the engine)

I'll just leave this here. At the time is was a new to me 2008 2.0t with 54k miles on the Odo...

Might want to read through the rest as I have a breakdown of part numbers and possible require parts later on in the thread.

[Charles.waite]

Has anyone with an 08 A4 ever gotten Audi to replace their cam, follower, and HPFP? I'm in the same boat as others with a worn cam and HPFP due to previous owner not doing anything about the follower.

I called AOA and my VIN does not qualify for the warranty extension. It's at the shop now ready to do the work for about $730 so wondering if I should just get it done or try to get covered from AOA?

Thanks!

No shop will be replacing your cam for $730. The Cam and Pump alone cost nearly that much, and its a solid 10+ hours of labor to replace the cam. Minimum you're looking at is $2500 or likely more for a cam and pump replacement. Any place that would charge less than that I would be HIGHLY suspicious of.

[pezgoon]

Unless its some dude in his garage

[Charles.waite]

Unless its some dude in his garage

Then that dude in his garage is crazy. I might charge someone $750 IF they provided the parts. No way in hell I'm bothering with that much work for probably $150 off the top unless I'm broke AND insane.

[lockeed]

Anyone has a link to a video showing a cam replacement on an A3/A4/A6? There's a million videos n cam follower's replacement but I can't seem to find for a TFSI cam replacement.

[Charles.waite]

you can't find a video because its a many hour job, and thus compiling footage and editing it to a normal length sucks and obviously isn't on anyone's to do list. Not to mention the job is a bit more involved than your typical DIY so its not something do undertake without some knowledge and some prep.

[lockeed]

I don't know, it doesn't look that bad to me. Unless you need specific Audi/VW tool and puller that I probably don't have.

BTW, this is a really good start: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ntake-cam-swap

[lockeed]

Just called the Audi dealership in Quebec where I purchased a couple cars from in the past. Spoke with the service rep which is the same one I used to deal with when I had my B8.

Surprise surprise: There is an official 10 warranty extension on the cam follower issue in Canada as well! I was asked to provide all paperwork and invoices proving the car was maintained properly (oil change etc...) and he would gladly help me push this repair trough warranty with Audi if the paperwork is acceptable.

Just though I'd share for you Canuks out there.

[Charles.waite]

Just called the Audi dealership in Quebec where I purchased a couple cars from in the past. Spoke with the service rep which is the same one I used to deal with when I had my B8.

Surprise surprise: The is an official 10 warranty extension on the cam follower issue in Canada as well! I was asked to provide all paperwork and invoices proving the car was maintained properly (oil change etc...) and he would gladly help me push this repair trough warranty with Audi if the paperwork is acceptable.

Just though I'd share for you Canuks out there.

Including 2008 model year A4s?? That would be fabulous news assuming AoA follows suit. I suspect you might be wrong however I'm holding out hope that you're not. I would love to be reimbursed for my failure I had to repair out of pocket.

[ballinb5]

No shop will be replacing your cam for $730. The Cam and Pump alone cost nearly that much, and its a solid 10+ hours of labor to replace the cam. Minimum you're looking at is $2500 or likely more for a cam and pump replacement. Any place that would charge less than that I would be HIGHLY suspicious of.

Getting this work done at Induktion Motorsports in MD, which I have read is pretty good.

They are charging me something like 250 camshaft, 300 hpfp, plus labor. They were already doing the cam follower so that was another $100 or so incl parts/labor.

some parts I found online: http://www.uspmotorsports.com/Engine...FckfhgodalIMNQ

https://www.europaparts.com/fuel-pum...FRJbhgodGq4O5A

[ballinb5]

Here are some photos from the shop, previous owner definitely did not maintain it.







They are also replacing a cracked camshaft chain tensioner and chain for another $250 :(. I think they feel bad for me now and gave me the shops parts price plus no labor as they were already in there:

[lockeed]

I gave the service rep my car info including the year and that's what he said off the bat. Biggest challenge will be to get the oil change invoices and maintenance record since day one...

[EuroxS4]

If only u were closer I would do it.Cam could be done in the car don't have to take anything apart.Only valve cover,hpfp ,rear timing chain cover,vacuum pump ,and the ladder frame that holds the cam in the head.Piece of cake!!


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[nizmosx]

I recently had this repair done at the dealer, i have the complete parts list. however they did go over the top and replace every valvle cover bolt etc. i wonder if they consider the used bolts to be one time use only.

[lockeed]

Just received my cam follower from GermanParts.ca for my 2008 2.0T

Since when the followers have a roller at the end? Am I missing something or I received the wrong part? Or it's the latest "updated" version or something?

[Okedokey]

I recently had this repair done at the dealer, i have the complete parts list. however they did go over the top and replace every valvle cover bolt etc. i wonder if they consider the used bolts to be one time use only.

As I have said multiple times on here, ElsaWin says to replace them each time. Others here disagree.

[Okedokey]

Just received my cam follower from GermanParts.ca for my 2008 2.0T

Since when the followers have a roller at the end? Am I missing something or I received the wrong part? Or it's the latest "updated" version or something?

Wrong one. That is for the TSi engines, not the TFSI.

[lockeed]

Just found out the one I received was for an A3 - which strangely looks like a much better design than the one on the A4! Why's that?

[Okedokey]

As above. The newer revision isn't for our cars, although there was some development in an adaptor to make it work, however I don't think anything came of it.

[lockeed]

By adjusting the length of the shaft and spring, pretty sure the A3 follower could be fitted to the A4 unless the diameter isn't the same, then it's another ball game. Someone should look into that. I bet the A3s don't have half as many failure as the A4, a roller makes much more sense.

[Theiceman]

its either for an a3 or for a b8. this was the "fix"

[Okedokey]

And, yes, others have looked into making it work with our engines, nothing came of it.

[Charles.waite]

That's an rs4/b8 follower. It won't fit in the follower bore.

Issam makes an adapter kit but you need to send him your timing chain housing for machine work and it's a very pricey service.

I've been considering doing it but at the prices he's forced to charge it's hard to justify it. The damn timing chain housings alone are $600+ so his cost without you sending in a core is astronomical but there's nothing he can do until the factory parts don't cost an arm and a leg.

[Theiceman]

especially when you can buy the whole car for about 3K if you find a deal.

[lockeed]

I agree, but a company like APR for exemple could easily mass produce the roller type follower for the B7s. Even if it cost 100$, I would put one in in a heartbeat.

[Okedokey]

I agree, but a company like APR for exemple could easily mass produce the roller type follower for the B7s. Even if it cost 100$, I would put one in in a heartbeat.

For the 3rd time, it has been tried, and failed.

[lockeed]

Weird.... Probably haven't tried hard enough!

Just received my used replacement pump which luckily came in with a follower in decent shape. Do they recommended putting any lubricant on the follower prior to install?

[Charles.waite]

I would just coat it with oil so that it doesn't float dry on the cam at startup.

[Theiceman]

yeah just leave it soaking in oil overnight in a pill container, it will be fine.

[Okedokey]

No need to soak it, it wont absorb anything, it just needs to be dunked in oil prior to installation.

[lockeed]

I ended up re-using my original pump ipo the one I received. But I used the rod, spring and cam follower from it. Car started like a champ. Engine isn't making any weird noise or knocking.

Since the car was parked at a local shop for 3 months before I bought it, the brakes are corroded and will probably need to be replaced, or at least milled. Car ran fine but is noisy. Sounds like a front wheel bearing but doesn't feel like it or act like it. There's good Pirellis on the car right now and the tires are worn with groove on the exterior side which I'm afraid is causing that noise, but since they aren't directional tire, I'll rotate them and see what happen.

My main thing is, I didn't erased any code, as I wanted the check engine light to stay on. I may be sending the car to Audi under the follower warranty extension, I'll know if they accept or not next week. But this morning, the check engine light turned off by itself (?). Went and drove the car, ran fine, when I punched it in first gear, check engine light came back on and had no power, or at least no boost, fell like limp mode.

Need to plug it up and find which codes are there and investigate.