MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: bimbound on September 21, 2015, 08:59:39 am

Title: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on September 21, 2015, 08:59:39 am
So I have the increasingly common issue of my mk5 sounding like a diesel.

I'm looking at getting the chain and tensioner replaced and see some people also have the adjuster replaced at the same time.

I know the part is pricey but don't want to omit it only to find 6 months down the road it needs doing, but equally could find a better use of the extra £350 or so if it doesn't need doing!

Is there an inspection that can made of the adjuster to determine if it's bad?

Thanks
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: ReflexRob on September 21, 2015, 01:06:53 pm
The adjuster might break the week after you have the work done. You will only get the most peace of mind if you change it or be prepared to take the risk.

I think I'm going to risk it......
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: GTi-Andy on September 21, 2015, 02:01:16 pm
I was in the same boat as you.

But I bit the bullet and did it anyway - I really don't think there is a way of checking it

Peace of mind and all that!
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on September 23, 2015, 06:46:44 pm
Thought this might be the case, i'll just have to suck it up and replace it then. :sad1:
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: GTi-Andy on September 23, 2015, 08:09:05 pm
You'd only have to take it all apart again if it was still making the diesel noise
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on September 24, 2015, 07:26:53 pm
You'd only have to take it all apart again if it was still making the diesel noise
Being far from handy with a spanner I will be relying on a garage to complete the work. I'm assuming taking it all apart again is going to cost half in labour what it would to just replace the adjuster first time around?!
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: GTi-Andy on September 24, 2015, 07:29:35 pm

You'd only have to take it all apart again if it was still making the diesel noise
Being far from handy with a spanner I will be relying on a garage to complete the work. I'm assuming taking it all apart again is going to cost half in labour what it would to just replace the adjuster first time around?!

Hmmm that would be a question for your garage to answer.

However from experience the majority of the time in labour is stripping everything down to get to the tensioner etc
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: dazza on September 24, 2015, 07:54:00 pm
I cant recall a member on here changing the chain and tensioner then having to change the adjustor.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: JamieBiz on September 25, 2015, 01:34:47 pm
I'm far from handy with a spanner too but is it a hard job? is it easy to mess up?  i'm guessing it could go wrong quite badly if so...
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: CarlW on September 25, 2015, 01:49:26 pm
i've just had the same done on mine as mine was really noisey and the chain was loose too.. had all new put on without changing the adjuster and made a massive difference on my 05 AXX engine but like people have said.. its more of a piece of mind question rather than if it actually needs changing
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: JamieBiz on September 25, 2015, 01:53:23 pm
i've just had the same done on mine as mine was really noisey and the chain was loose too.. had all new put on without changing the adjuster and made a massive difference on my 05 AXX engine but like people have said.. its more of a piece of mind question rather than if it actually needs changing

It made a massive difference in sound? a couple people have asked if i'm driving a diesel Gti replica the last few weeks! wanted to punch them both!! i think is worth doing now, how much did it come to without the adjuster being done mate?
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: CarlW on September 25, 2015, 02:09:19 pm
Yes mate the sound has really reduced.. It cost me around £450 but that was with other work being done as well as.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: JamieBiz on September 25, 2015, 02:56:08 pm
Ah so its not going to bankrupt me, i think ill get it booked in and tell them to only replace the adjuster if they think it needs changing. they told me recently that with the mileage my car is on (65K) that it shouldn't need doing but i'm not so sure. they also said that because my engine cover is not on it sounds louder than normal, but i think that was just a lazy diagnosis to be honest.

Thanks Mate
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: dazza on September 25, 2015, 04:04:57 pm
Don't think there is a way to diagnose/visually inspect the adjustor.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: -AC- on October 06, 2015, 10:10:02 am
@bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025) did you end up getting this done?

Did you replace the adjuster? In the same boat myself but could do without replacing the adjuster from a cost perspective.

@Peskyjones (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11854) did you get this done without the adjuster as well?
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on October 06, 2015, 03:35:34 pm
@bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025) did you end up getting this done?

Did you replace the adjuster? In the same boat myself but could do without replacing the adjuster from a cost perspective.

@Peskyjones (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11854) did you get this done without the adjuster as well?

I'm booked in to have it done next week.. Taking a punt on not having the adjustor done.. If when its all back together it hasn't solved the noise then they'll take it off again and replace the adjustor. Hopefully it doesn't need it, if it does then I lose out on the cost of some labour but hey that's what a gamble is all about
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: -AC- on October 08, 2015, 08:46:34 am
Let me know how you get on @bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025), I'm taking the chance of not replacing the adjuster myself at the weekend all being well.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on October 13, 2015, 06:30:03 pm

Let me know how you get on @bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025), I'm taking the chance of not replacing the adjuster myself at the weekend all being well.

Had the car in the garage today. Chain and tensioner replaced and the difference is night and day... Sounds like a different car from in the cabin and stood outside. Adjuster was not needed. Garage said the chain was very visibly stretched, so I'm glad I had it done.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 13, 2015, 10:42:41 pm

Let me know how you get on @bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025), I'm taking the chance of not replacing the adjuster myself at the weekend all being well.

Had the car in the garage today. Chain and tensioner replaced and the difference is night and day... Sounds like a different car from in the cabin and stood outside. Adjuster was not needed. Garage said the chain was very visibly stretched, so I'm glad I had it done.

 Did you go to an independent?

How much all in?
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on October 14, 2015, 03:14:35 pm


Let me know how you get on @bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025), I'm taking the chance of not replacing the adjuster myself at the weekend all being well.

Had the car in the garage today. Chain and tensioner replaced and the difference is night and day... Sounds like a different car from in the cabin and stood outside. Adjuster was not needed. Garage said the chain was very visibly stretched, so I'm glad I had it done.

 Did you go to an independent?

How much all in?

Yea an independent specialist... Who is actually a specialist!!

The number of 'VW specialists' I called that informed me my car 'doesn't have a chain' is nothing short of unnerving!

£335 all in. Allow for a bit more as apparently there is a bolt that can be a nuisance to remove which will increase the labour. Mine it seems was ok to remove

I've found the garage I will be using from now on.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 14, 2015, 03:18:35 pm
That seems like a really good price. Where is the garage you used?
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on October 14, 2015, 03:58:51 pm

That seems like a really good price. Where is the garage you used?

In Exeter, it's about a 45 minute drive for me but worth it to go to somewhere that's know what they are doing..
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: -AC- on October 16, 2015, 01:28:44 pm
Great news @bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025) , I'm still waiting on the polydrive tool to arrive so I can get mine done. Like you, I'm not going to do the adjuster.

Still all going ok? Nice and quiet? :)
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on October 16, 2015, 11:03:31 pm

Great news @bimbound (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7025) , I'm still waiting on the polydrive tool to arrive so I can get mine done. Like you, I'm not going to do the adjuster.

Still all going ok? Nice and quiet? :)

Let us know how you get on! All good now, literally like I'm in a different car when I stop at traffic lights etc.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: graham-gti on October 18, 2015, 05:07:44 pm
So do our cars have just a chain or do they have a belt?? Sorry but confused.


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Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 18, 2015, 05:11:14 pm
You have a cam belt (a belt) on one side of the cam shaft (one side of the engine) and on the other side of the cam shaft you have a cam chain(chain)

So both...
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: graham-gti on October 18, 2015, 05:11:53 pm
Haha great thanks mate. What side is the chain and tensioner on?


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Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 18, 2015, 05:13:54 pm
If you're looking at the engine the chain and tensioner etc are on the right hand side, but they have a cover on so you won't be able to see them. It's near the fuel pump if you know where that is.

You can physically see the cambelt on the left hand side of the engine, well part of it
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: graham-gti on October 18, 2015, 05:14:51 pm
Wicked thanks. I have a bit of a tapping noise from the top left side :/


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Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 18, 2015, 05:23:39 pm
It could just be the injectors. The tfsi injectors make that sort of noise. As far as I'm aware the best way to distinguish the injector noise from the bad chain, tensioner etc noise is

If it's is a higher pitch tapping that you can hear from the front of the car and from the engine then it is probably the injectors which is normal

If you get in the car with the doors closed and the car is up to temp, and it is a deeper noise you can hear which is seperate from the injector noise then it is the chain etc.

Hope that makes sense. It may be wrong but that's what I've been led to believe
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: graham-gti on October 18, 2015, 05:25:02 pm
Ok cool. I can't hear it from in the car so hopefully it's just the injectors


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Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 18, 2015, 05:25:28 pm
Probably is
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: GTI Dave 30 on October 18, 2015, 08:34:02 pm
Hi is it a comon problem  on edtion 30 if so whats the average mileage  people have changed them at thanks.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 18, 2015, 08:41:34 pm
There technically never meant to be changed. You only change them if it shows symptoms
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: GTI Dave 30 on October 18, 2015, 09:04:14 pm
Thanks seams quite  enough  with 62k on.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: JamieBiz on October 19, 2015, 08:27:20 am
My Gti has 62k on the clock and ill be changing them as soon as i can afford it. it sounds like a tractor when im idling
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: -AC- on October 19, 2015, 01:51:46 pm
Just received the T40080 tool I was waiting on so will get cracking on with this on Friday.

I know there are already guides on this but might fire one up as a go along.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 19, 2015, 02:27:14 pm
Just received the T40080 tool I was waiting on so will get cracking on with this on Friday.

I know there are already guides on this but might fire one up as a go along.

good luck and yeah the more guides the better
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: JamieBiz on October 19, 2015, 04:36:27 pm
Just received the T40080 tool I was waiting on so will get cracking on with this on Friday.

I know there are already guides on this but might fire one up as a go along.

Can you make it as idiot proof as possible please  :notworthy:
I 'may' attempt this if its not too bad to do.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Paradox1 on October 19, 2015, 04:57:52 pm
How much extra is the adjuster?

surely it would make more sense to replace the chain, tensioner and adjust?

Its not just the noise that you want to get rid of but you'd want to increase the reliability?
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: pudding on October 19, 2015, 04:59:14 pm
Don't forget the cam locking tool as well - T10252.

I think the main reason for replacing the adjuster is when the bolt head rounds out, which can happen as it's feckin tight by all accounts.

Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: doylebros on October 19, 2015, 05:59:23 pm
Just received the T40080 tool I was waiting on so will get cracking on with this on Friday.

I know there are already guides on this but might fire one up as a go along.

Can you make it as idiot proof as possible please  :notworthy:
I 'may' attempt this if its not too bad to do.

Worth a read if your going to do it yourself - http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,97333.0.html
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: bimbound on October 20, 2015, 10:27:39 am
How much extra is the adjuster?

surely it would make more sense to replace the chain, tensioner and adjust?

Its not just the noise that you want to get rid of but you'd want to increase the reliability?

The adjustor is approx. £400 just for the part. Apparently there are fewer issues with this part than the chain/tensioner and the adjustor will 'normally' flag a code in VCDS if it is faulty. Its a sealed unit so cannot be inspected.

If it was a £30 part like the water pump is when replacing the cam belt i'd say sure replace it, but IMO increasing the bill from IRO £350 to IRO £800 is just not worth it for something that may never need replacing.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Pesky jones on October 20, 2015, 10:54:10 am
you can fark the adjustor bolt, and end up having to drill the head off, but then you would just replace the adjustor bolt - not the actual adjustor, right?
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: dazza on October 20, 2015, 11:02:42 am
I had to drill mine off.  :sick:

The adjustor has holes where the bolt is these got full of shavings.
IMO if you manage to drill off bolt without damaging the adjustor replace it anyway. I took mine apart and it had metal shavings inside.

Just incase someone has to drill it off 13mm drill bit will do it.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: Reflex on October 20, 2015, 08:55:45 pm
Hi all, this is my first post on here despite browsing the forums for a couple of years.

I have an 07 Mk5 GTI (BWA engine), it's going in for a major service and a cambelt change soon and I was wondering if I should get the chain and tensioner done at the same time? 

It doesn't seem too bad from inside the car, certainly note diesel-like as other people have mentioned. However from the outside I think its quite easy to hear the difference in sound from start up and then at full operating temperature. Other opinions would be greatly appreciated!



Thanks!
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: dom069 on October 21, 2015, 01:03:14 pm
I'd be interested to know what other people think of our video @Reflex (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11717), mine sounds very similar.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: -AC- on November 02, 2015, 09:34:37 am
Folks, apologies for the late reply! I did end up replacing the chain and tensioner last Friday however with the adjuster bolt being very tight (had to use a breaker bar), the timing tool I bought bent both pins (cheap tool, buy a decent one!), so I had to get a lend of another timing tool as the original wouldn't time up the cams correctly (I was unfortunately off a tooth on the intake cam the first time round).

That being said, it's now sorted and sounds fantastic when warmed up! Only noise now is the tick from the injectors.

If you are planning to do this yourself, buy a decent timing tool. I would reccomend the Laser set: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Engine-Timing-Tool-FITS-AUDI-A3-A4-A6-S3-TT-2-0-2003-2010-T10115-T10252-T20018-/181012915733?hash=item2a2535e615:m:mrCRB1yDqj-pZdNiQrqNHQA (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Engine-Timing-Tool-FITS-AUDI-A3-A4-A6-S3-TT-2-0-2003-2010-T10115-T10252-T20018-/181012915733?hash=item2a2535e615:m:mrCRB1yDqj-pZdNiQrqNHQA)

This is the T40080 polydrive you'll need too: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271959949245?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271959949245?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Top tip when removing the adjuster to avoid stripping the head, have a second pair of hands put pressure on the socket while pulling with a breaker bar. Also, give the breaker short heavy bursts of pressure to break the seal.

I didn't have time to take many photos to make a guide but found this one after replacing the chain!

Removal guide: http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk5/power_unit/4-cylinder_injection_engine_(2.0_l_engine_direct_injection)/engine_cylinder_head_valve_gear/valve_gear/removing_and_installing_camshaft_adjuster/removing_camshaft_adjuster/ (http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk5/power_unit/4-cylinder_injection_engine_(2.0_l_engine_direct_injection)/engine_cylinder_head_valve_gear/valve_gear/removing_and_installing_camshaft_adjuster/removing_camshaft_adjuster/)

Replacing guide: http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk5/power_unit/4-cylinder_injection_engine_(2.0_l_engine_direct_injection)/engine_cylinder_head_valve_gear/valve_gear/removing_and_installing_camshaft_adjuster/installing_camshaft_adjuster/ (http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk5/power_unit/4-cylinder_injection_engine_(2.0_l_engine_direct_injection)/engine_cylinder_head_valve_gear/valve_gear/removing_and_installing_camshaft_adjuster/installing_camshaft_adjuster/)

Providing you don't need to drill out the adjuster bolt (which you shouldn't as long as you're careful) then the chances of needing to replace your adjuster are VERY slim as it is not the cause of the noise and are unlikely to fail as long as the car has been maintained with quality oil in it's lifetime. If you do need to put a drill on it, do not chance re-using the adjuster, replace it.

Parts you will need to replace, part number and priced by TPS including VAT:
Cam chain - 06D109229B - £52.65
Cam chain tensioner -06F109217A - £75.85
Cam cover gasket -06D103121B - £4.77
Fuel Pump o-ring - 06E127248 - £7.20 (optional but recommended after having fuel pump out)
Valve cover gasket - 06F103483D - £19.89
Exhaust cam adjuster bolt -06D109281D £2.56

And if you REALLY want to replace the adjuster at the same time...
Cam chain adjuster - 06F109088J £321.72

Labour wise, you are talking 1-2 hours for removal and 1 hour to refit, it's not difficult.

@Peskyjones (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11854) @JamieBiz (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13855)  @dom069 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=9839) @Reflex (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11717) ^^ Get it done, better safe than sorry. That is definitely cam chain rattle in your video.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: JamieBiz on November 02, 2015, 03:24:28 pm
Thanks @-AC- (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=12295) that's top work! i'll be ordering the parts in two weeks and my workmate and i who is an ex lorry mechanic/rally driver/mx rider will be giving it a go.

I say that... ill be wiring a new extractor fan in his bathroom while he sorts this out  :happy2:

Ill let you know how is go's
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: -AC- on November 03, 2015, 09:21:53 am
Good stuff @JamieBiz (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13855) , good luck with it.

A few other bits of advice, during the removal process, remove the spark plugs and rotate your engine 2 full turns on the crank before you remove the chain/put the cam locking tool in place to ensure you are at TDC and the timing is ok before you start. You'll need a 19mm 12 point socket to rotate the crank.

Also, when fitting the new chain, it can be a bit tight so you may need to rotate the intake cam slightly away from you (towards the windscreen) so that the adjuster aligns back into it's guide properly. When you release the pressure on the intake cam, it will move back with the chain slack. That is ok and nothing to worry about.

Once the new chain/tensioner is fitted and new adjuster bolt is in, remove the cam locking tool and again, rotate the crank 2 full turns then make sure the cam locking tool fits back in nicely. That way, you'll know your timing is dead on.

It would also be ideal if you have VCDS for when you turn the car back on for the first time. Go to engine measuring block 91 and look at the 'actual' intake cam position and the 'spec' cam position. They should be the same or half a degree out either way.

If you find that the actual position is 20 or 30 degrees out then your intake cam is off a tooth on the chain and you'll need to realign it. However providing you have rotated the crank and everything aligns ok, you should be spot on.
Title: Re: Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??
Post by: dom069 on November 10, 2015, 01:06:36 pm
Fantastic info - cheers :drinking: