Dealer says I need a new cam bridge

[98A4TQ]

My car went in today for the stage 2 oil consumption repair. They told me they are putting new Pistons and rings but also needs a new cam bridge. The cam bridge is not covered under the repair. I would only have to pay for the part which is $130. And since he's already taken the engine apart anyway there is no additional labor. there is no additional laborHas anyone ever heard of this.? Does anybody know what this part actually does? And if it generally fails? Thanks

[STA4]

Search is your friend:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ehicle-update)
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-cylinder-head
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...amshaft-bridge

[B44]

i would not complain about this and get it done. also while getting this major repair done tell them to have look for the timing chain and tensioner because sometimes its good to get it all done while the engine is open. during my stage 2 fix they charged me 300 for chain and tensioner i took because i dint want to pay labor next time again for this. but i was at 100k mark so it was worth getting the chain done.

[98A4TQ]

Search is your friend:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ehicle-update)
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-cylinder-head
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...amshaft-bridge

I've already read all of these posts by searching already. Didn't really answer my question of what a cam bridge does.

[98A4TQ]

i would not complain about this and get it done. also while getting this major repair done tell them to have look for the timing chain and tensioner because sometimes its good to get it all done while the engine is open. during my stage 2 fix they charged me 300 for chain and tensioner i took because i dint want to pay labor next time again for this. but i was at 100k mark so it was worth getting the chain done.

i did ask the SA about these parts and he said they were changing them out with the new piston install. I have no problem about paying for parts and getting free labor. I've heard the IM is also good to change before it fails.

[B44]

intake is good dont play with it. if only 130 is what you have to pay then its a deal.

[Lockon_B7]

The reason for the change is because it became an updated part. I don't know the year or VIN cut off but there is an oil passage way that went from 10mm to 11mm for better lubrication of the head.

The timing chain has also been updated to help prevent stretching. Good time to do it.

[98A4TQ]

So the cam bridge is a oil passage way to oil the head. Makes sense. I just hope the head is ok

[van462]

Price is a little high on the part, then again it is the dealer. Usually goes from $70 to $100. The cam bridge has two functions. It mounts on the front side of the engine inside the timing cover area. It supports both camshafts outboard of the timing gears. This way the timing chain doesn't side load the camshafts as much. It as oiling paths inside it that lubricate the spots where the camshaft rides. It also provides a mounting structure and oil path for the variable intake timing actuator. It is usually replaced because of a broken strainer screen.

Intake manifolds do fail, but I do not believe the part has been revised and made better. A new one may be as likely to fail as the one you have.

[98A4TQ]

Sweet. You guys are the best. Ty for the info

[Lockon_B7]

Price is a little high on the part, then again it is the dealer. Usually goes from $70 to $100. The cam bridge has two functions. It mounts on the front side of the engine inside the timing cover area. It supports both camshafts outboard of the timing gears. This way the timing chain doesn't side load the camshafts as much. It as oiling paths inside it that lubricate the spots where the camshaft rides. It also provides a mounting structure and oil path for the variable intake timing actuator. It is usually replaced because of a broken strainer screen.

This is true, but Audi came out with a repair kit to replace just the screen if necessary. With that they released VIN production dates to say which cars only needed the repair kit, or the updated cam bridge with the larger oil passage way.

[98A4TQ]

I'm addition to the cam bridge I've decided to replace all the timing chains, tensioner and related parts. SA said about 10 pieces. Guides and seals I'm assuming. Parts total about $900. Should be good to go for another 100k.

[John4378]

I would make them inspect your intake camshaft for scoring and/or gouging. The failure of the cam bridge is what led Audi to have the RVU in place. If the intake cam is scored, it will have to be replaced. I am going through this now.