Audi 2.0T Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure

The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI is a timing chain drivin engine.  The Audi A4 timing chain engines have a common problem with the timing chain tensioner failing. 

 When these tensioners first start to fail the engine can become noisy and have a grinding or rattling sound.

If you ignore this problem the chain will start to rub through the timing cover causing more damage.

If the tensioner fails and the chain jumps time the cylinder head will need to be removed and the valves will need to be replaced.

The dealer gets around $3500 to $4500 to replace the timing chains and tensioners.  If the valves are not damaged we can usually do the entire job for $2800

The repair requires the front bumper and lock carrier to be removed.  The valve cover, timing cover and balancer need to be removed to access the timing chains and tensioner.

There are also several special tools required to set the cam timing.

Call 267 279 9477 to schedule an appointment

Doylestown Auto Repair
241 Harvey Ave
Doylestown Pa 18901

Audi A6 3.2 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure Cause

The Audi A6 3.2L Timing chain tensioners can fail and it will make a growling noise when you start it cold or you will get a check engine light with a camshaft corrolation fault.

There is a little plastic rubbing block or guide that the timing chain rides on and from a combination of age and low oil the rubbing block can crack and fall apart.  This causes the timing chain to ride on the metal part of the tensioner.

I have seen shops just replace the tensioner beacuse it can be done with the engine in the car.  This is often a mistake because by this point the chain is stretched and when the first try to start the car with the new tensioner because of the excess slack in the timing chain the valves get bent causing several thousands of extra repair costs and possible machine shop work.

If you have questions need parts visit us at www.DoylestownAutoShop.com

You can send us your engine and we can replace the chains or rebuild it if necessary.

 If you have bent valves and the guides are damaged Audi does no sell valve guides but we have custom guides that we had manufactured for us and can install them in your cylinder head.  

Doylestown Auto Repair

241 Harvey Ave

Doylestown pa 18901

267 279 9477

Audi 3.2L Timing Chain Repair Kit

This is a list of some of the common parts needed to replace the timing chains in a  Audi A6 3.2L

• 3 Tubes of sealer
• 4 Cam bolts
• 2 o rings for the rear engine cover
• Drive belt
• Oil filter housing gasket
• Left valve cover gasket
• Right valve cover gasket
• Left upper timing chain
• Right upper timing chain
• Rear main seal
• Left upper chain tensioner
• Right upper chain tensioner
• Oil filter
• 7 quarts of oil
• Coolant
• 2 Upper timing covers
• 2 Cam control solenoids

In certain cases you may also need the parts listed below at an additional cost.

• New high pressure fuel pump and camshaft.
• Lower radiator hose
• Brake vacuum pump and gasket
• Engine mounts
• Oxygen sensor
• Cam adjuster solenoids usually just one but in some cases both are needed.

Call or text questions to 267 279 9477 

Audi A6 3.2 Timing Chain Repairs

The 2006 and up Audi A6 with the 3.2 is the most common engine we replace the timing chains on.

 We have had cars towed from West Virginia and Southern Maryland to have the timing chains replaced at our Doylestown Pa location.

You can also ship us your engine and we will rebuild it and ship it back to you if that is an easier option.

We have been rebuilding 3.2L engine for almost 8 years for local shops, dealers and wholesalers and in most cases we can save you 50% off the dealer pricing.

We talk to customers that have been quoted $12 - $15,000 to have their timing chains replaced.

In almost all cases the dealer wants to replace all the timing chains and tensioners.  In our experience this is unnecessary.

There are other costs that may add to your bill.

•  In some cases the camshaft and high pressure pump are also worn out.  
• You may have bent valves if you drove too long with worn out tensioners. 
• We have seen the cam carriers crack when the valves get bent.
• Brake vacuum pump may need to be replaced
• The lower radiator hose can get soaked in oil when the brake vacuum pump leaks
• The cam actuator solenoids may have over extended and will not work correctly after the chains have been replaced.
• The motor mounts may be leaking and cracked
• The two rear timing covers may be bent and leaking if they have been removed before.

We have helped may local shops with the timing chain replacement and one common mistake they make is replacing the upper tensioners only.  Then when they try to start the car all the valves get bent because the timing chains are stretched.  

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.  267 279 9477