Timing Chain stretched

[312chi]

If my timing chain starts to stretch is it a good idea to replace it for $800? I am getting the TSB oil process done (Replacing pistons) and the service tech is advising that i replace the timing chain now since its starting to stretch.

I always thought timing chains never had to be replaced and i'm concerned that if anything does go wrong with the engine, they can say its not their fault b/c i didn't opt to change the chain.

Should i replace it? Also, i read somewhere that its normal for chains to stretch and that the tensionor counteracts stretching.

[jlaudio]

Sounds like a scam. Tensioner travel should more than account for any "stretching" of the chain.
I don't think a single person on these boards have had to touch timing components

[shonseb]

I was wondering about this, so we don't need to ever replace our timing chains?
I remember how I would change my timing chain in my old VR6 every 50k because of all the horror stories I've read, never heard that on the B8's though.

[jlaudio]

^ old vr6's had timing Belts and most older Audi/VW motors had timing belts. belts needed to be replaced every 60-100k on the b5 and b6's due to the belt fraying or snapping since it was rubber
timing chain's don't have the same problem and should never need replacing
now if a tensioner snaps(like on b6/b7 s4's) you have bigger problems with valves smacking into the heads

[shonseb]

gotcha, thanks for the info!

[bhvrdr]

FWIW when I replaced my pistons I absolutely replaced the chains and tensioners. To me they are items that have probably a 120K minimum life so it's up to you. I believe this is when a lot of the B6/B7 S4 guys are doing their chains/tensioners. If you are handy enough to do it yourself or you have someone who does cheap labor, perhaps skipping it is worth it. If not, you are saving probably 2 grand in dealer labor.

Mike

[k9lovr]

Timing chains have a lot longer life than belts.....I don't imagine having to replace mine during my ownership of this car......120k seems premature when you consider most timing belts last 100k now days.....previous cars I have owned went well past 150k with the original timing chain....unless VAG makes sub par timing chains.....

[bhvrdr]

VAG makes sub par pistons, injectors, lower control arms, HPFP (B7), etc. For the B6/B7 S4 they definitely had chain tensioner issues. Time will only tell on these cars. I'm just saying.

Mike

[k9lovr]

VAG makes sub par pistons, injectors, lower control arms, HPFP (B7), etc. For the B6/B7 S4 they definitely had chain tensioner issues. Time will only tell on these cars. I'm just saying.

Mike

When you put it that way.....one has to think.......

[312chi]

Sounds like a scam. Tensioner travel should more than account for any "stretching" of the chain.
I don't think a single person on these boards have had to touch timing components

This is what the dealer told me As far as tensioners go on timing chains compared to timing belts
they are little different. On chains the tensioners are hydraulically
controlled and they apply pressure on the chain from nylon guides that
the chains ride against and its job is just to control the slack from
acceleration to deceleration and vice versa and while the engine
running. But you're correct the timing chains do not have a replacement
interval like a timing belt does.

[edgar38]

I had to get my b8 quattro towed on Saturday due to a no start issue. when I took it to the mechanic he told me after scanning it that it will either be that the timing chain needs to be replaced or some sensor. please excuse my ignorance on the topic... has anyone else had this issue? I'm waiting on the full diagnostic later on this afternoon.

[edgar38]

anyone?

[SDF1]

Timing chain stretched won't cause a no start situation.
Go to a different mechanic. We need more info and a VAG Scan.

[S-Liner]

Hey bud, my car failed to start on Friday...had it towed on Saturday! I'm in the same boat as you. Still waiting for the SA to get back to me on the issue.

[Jacon]

^ old vr6's had timing Belts

The VR6 had a timing chain.

[edgar38]

he called it something, like the timing chain being out of time or something like that??

[zokissima]

Get the VAG-COM log and post it here. Just ask the mechanic for it. if he refuses to give it, go to another mechanic.

[A4BGP]

If my timing chain starts to stretch is it a good idea to replace it for $800? I am getting the TSB oil process done (Replacing pistons) and the service tech is advising that i replace the timing chain now since its starting to stretch.

I always thought timing chains never had to be replaced and i'm concerned that if anything does go wrong with the engine, they can say its not their fault b/c i didn't opt to change the chain.

Should i replace it? Also, i read somewhere that its normal for chains to stretch and that the tensionor counteracts stretching.

If they are performing a stage 2 for oil consumption, the primary chain needs to come off. Your engine has 2 main chains; one for the cams and one for the balancers/water pump. They go for about $150 ea. There is a third one that runs the oil pump. You absolutely will want to replace the primary chain tensionner if anything!!! As the early builds start getting into the higher mileage, I can see Audi having another mess on their hands; that part is not designed to last. Anyway, $800 is extremely steep for a part that gets removed and replaced regardless of weather it gets renewed. If they change the associated guides, tensionners and hardware, then it's a good investment if you plan on keeping the car.

[S4'ed]

On the 2.0T, TFSI (and TSI) the tensioner for the lower chain has a design defect that causes it to fail. When it fails, the timing chain skips a few teeth (timing is now wrong), and the valves can collide with the tops of the pistons, destroying your engine. This usually happens when you start the engine. VW/Audi has revised the tensioner design, but even the new design has had some problems. They started installing the revised part sometime during the 2013 production (engine build date).

You should replace the lower tensioner, if you have the old version. The chains themselves should be fine, if you changed your oil and filter often (5000miles max), and used the correct oil.

[edgar38]

good morning, I had to pick up the car and take it elsewhere since my usual mechanic did not have some tool to check if the timing chain is the issue. The car takes a while to start. you have to play with the push to start key and the gas pedal for it to actually start up. Once the car starts the car drives as normal... My second mechanic is telling me that the issue is most likely the crankshaft position sensor... he will confirm later on today.