Today's big job 👨🔧🛠
Replacing my cam chain, tensioner, and all the supporting hardware, plus a good service. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous doing this especially after hearing horror stories about the cam adjuster bolt head stripping out during removal. I even bought a 12mm cobalt drill bit and a backup T55 socket just in case things go sideways!
Luckily, I had my friend that came over to help by keeping a firm grip on the cam bolt tool and the lower breaker bar while I crack it loose from the upper part. Crisis averted.
The Parts List (Bought & Fitted by Me)
☑️ INA cam chain & tensioner
☑️ VW OEM cam adjuster bolt
☑️ Elring VVT seals (x3)
☑️ INA cam follower
☑️ Elring HPFP seal
☑️ Elring rocker cover gasket
☑️ Mann oil filter
☑️ Febi Bilstein 5W-40 engine oil & new sump plug
☑️ APR Blue (R8 style) ignition coilpacks
☑️ NGK BKR7EIX Iridium spark plugs x4
☑️ HPFP fuel Line Upgrade,Converting the fuel lines from the early-model banjo style to the later-model push-fit setup (and drilling a 5mm hole on the new HPFP bamboo fitting).
☑️ DV Relocation Kit brought from aliexpress paired with an OEM K04 throttle intake pipe and a blue silicone throttle body hose from eBay.
Luckly I Bought 2 cam bolt poly drive sockets. 1 is a Laser brand and the other is a BGS brand. Tried the laser Polly drive socket first and it shattered but luckly didn't damage the cam bolt head, then tried the BGS Brand and it came out perfectly👍.
Aside from the VW OEM cam adjuster bolt (sourced from VW Coverdale), all the service and cam chain,gaskets etc from Autodoc & Awesome GTI for the coilpacks and spark plugs.
There is such a massive sense of satisfaction that comes with doing all the work yourself and learning as you go. Not bad for someone who isn't even a mechanic! 😂.
