Balance shaft replacement, need advice.

[Stage2a4]

So a while ago the intake side balance shaft seized on my b8 a4. I tore it down and fixed it and installed a new timing chain at the same time.

Car started up and ran with no codes but after a few minutes the low oil pressure light came on. I shut it off and after some research realized that I got sold fake balance shafts which are known for causing low oil pressure due to bad tolerances.

Now, I’ve ordered new Oem shafts and gonna swap them and hope all is well. My main concern though, is that the old seized shaft was missing two of the plastic strainers when I pulled it. I’m guessing they melted when it broke because I can’t find any pieces. Was hoping for some advice on how to possibly clean the oil passages to make sure the new shaft won’t starve of oil. Any thoughts?


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[Smac770]

If you don't see them anywhere in the balance shaft barrels, they're probably in the sump or stuck on the pickup tube screen. The balance shaft bearings just drain back into the sump, afaik. You'd have to drop the lower oil pan to really check. But a lighted endocam might be able to get a view if you remove the oil level/temp sensor (oil drained). But that's if you're feeling bored, I imagine.

[arankaspar1]

I tried to check my shafts for play a few days ago thinking I could just use a 180* remotely articulating endocam but I couldn't get enough clearance between the bal shaft assbly and the oil pan. It gets tighter and tighter closer to the end.
As for the plastic bits I think they're sammiched between the bottom end and assbly. Not sure.