2.0T Replacement Timing Chain - Audi or aftermarket parts?

[Chisel]

Checking for timing chain stretch on a 2014 Audi A5, 2.0T with Ross-tech, camshaft adaptation intake bank 1: phase position -8.77. Then removed the tensioner inspection cover and have 7 ridges. Needs a timing chain!

Is Audi timing chain kit the best choice or does anyone have experience with Borsehung or Hamburg Tech brands? I'm looking for a good quality parts, not a $100 kit from Amazon.

[old guy]

Here is a parts list for the job. Clicky click® Recommend you use OEM or OEM supplier components.

Just curious, what is your mileage? I have been keeping a database of mileage/cam adaptation just for reference.

[Chisel]

78,000, low for a timing chain replacement. Thanks!

[Chisel]

Are my numbers consistent with other phase position numbers and timing chain tensioner ridge count (-8.77 = 7 ridges) for this engine in your database?

[old guy]

I'm sorry to inform you that you have the record for the highest adaptation at the lowest mileage.

Oops!! I take that back. There was a -11.2° at 59000 miles.

As you can see, they are all over the map.

[RockJGC]

Just curious....what's an acceptable reading? Meaning before you have to be concerned about the timing chain.

[old guy]

Just curious....what's an acceptable reading? Meaning before you have to be concerned about the timing chain.

For a 2013 or newer you should consider replacing the components when you get to -5° of cam phase adjustment.

[Smac770]

-5° is time for chain replacement. You'd have to take a reading on a monthly basis so you have a baseline for how the value is aging on your specific vehicle to give you some idea of the urgency once you are in the -5° area. You're very unlikely to break anything running it out to -6° if you need to before getting the task done.

The adaptation is only a guide. The real concern is the extension of the tensioner by ridges count. Fully extended, you're gambling hard with every engine start.

[old guy]

Here is an example of the progression on my 2013 A5. They are included in the full database shown earlier.

[Entrical]

You can look on FCP Euro for a complete kit. Do it sooner than later! I just got a great deal on a 2011 A5 2.0 that the previous owner let it go too long and ended up with bent valves. I picked it up and replaced the Cylinder Head and Timing/Balance Shaft Chains/Guides/Tensioners. Trust me, it's not a job you want to do if you can avoid it.

[Chisel]

I'm sorry to inform you that you have the record for the highest adaptation at the lowest mileage.

Oops!! I take that back. There was a -11.2° at 59000 miles.

As you can see, they are all over the map.

That chart reading went from -2.5° to -11.2° in 5,000 miles, that's a huge spike. Others had spikes too. Any diagnosis for the sudden stretch or was it the tensioner?

[Chisel]

You can look on FCP Euro for a complete kit. Do it sooner than later! I just got a great deal on a 2011 A5 2.0 that the previous owner let it go too long and ended up with bent valves. I picked it up and replaced the Cylinder Head and Timing/Balance Shaft Chains/Guides/Tensioners. Trust me, it's not a job you want to do if you can avoid it.

There's some good info on FCP Euro website, they list the manufacturer for parts in their kits which is a great feature. Search is not the best, I had to call to get specific parts for my Audi and their parts guy was experienced. I might buy there but still would like more info on aftermarket parts.

The Audi is parked and the motorcycle will get some miles…

[RockJGC]

Excellent info here. Thanks all....

BTW, is there any way at all to find the adaptation numbers without VAG-COM? Can any of the phone apps pull that info? Like maybe OBDEleven? I'm pretty sure Carista can't do it.

[Smac770]

They are just measuring values. Anything that can pull control module specific measuring values (not generic OBD-II mode 6 tools) should be able to pull them.

[old guy]

That chart reading went from -2.5° to -11.2° in 5,000 miles, that's a huge spike. Others had spikes too. Any diagnosis for the sudden stretch or was it the tensioner?

Well now, that's the $64,000 question, isn't it? (Showing my age here;)

I suspect a few may be from component failure (broken chain guides, etc). Some from overextended OCI's. Very frequent cold start, short trips also probably play a part.

[RockJGC]

Well now, that's the $64,000 question, isn't it? (Showing my age here;)

I suspect a few may be from component failure (broken chain guides, etc). Some from overextended OCI's. Very frequent cold start, short trips also probably play a part.

What is your thought process on that? Just curious....how do oil change intervals or cold start/short trips contribute to timing chain stretch and/or broken chain guides?

[old guy]

GDI engines tend to create more soot than port injection engines. Especially during warm up conditions. Consequently frequent cold start/short trips add to the soot load which increases wear on all the lubricated components. You can help offset this with more frequent oil changes.

Here is a technical paper covering the issue: Clicky click®