Should I replace a timing chain tensioner at 95k miles?

[alpha3]

That's interesting that you bring this up because when I asked my mechanic if there was any signs to look out for that the tensioner is starting to wear, he told me that there isn't and they just randomly go out. No mention about stretch at all. I'm trying to figure out if I have the old or new one right now but the dealership couldn't really give me a straight answer

Well, that's not right, they don't just randomly go out, it's the early versions that are known to self-destruct and take the motor with it. Does this person have a specialty with German cars or is he just a jack-of-all-models?
And, you can't always trust the VW dealer techs, unfortunately, they're mostly clueless. I'm sure there are a few good ones out there (somewhere) but experience has taught most of us here that it's best to steer clear of VW service unless it's a warranty issue. Find yourself a good, qualified, German car shop.

Geez. From your responses......I'd search out a different indy mechanic, that specializes in VW/Audi/BMW/MB, something like that. It's a small matter to check the tensioner with a mirror thru that porthole, he should know that. Like JoeMama ^^^said, it's not the stretch that does the damage, it's when the tensioner lets go. And yea, if the tensioner DOES need replacing, as long as you're in there already just change everything out at this point, chain, guides, etc.

 

[Tyler12108]

So I've called 2 more dealerships and they both aren't able to tell me which one I have in my car. I looked through my car documents and my car's production date is 2011-11-26. Does this give any insight on what may be in the car?

They updated the tensioners mid 2012 build dates so I would assume you have the old version.

 

[Joe_Mama]

They updated the tensioners mid 2012 build dates so I would assume you have the old version.

I wonder if something like this would work:

https://timingchainlitigation.com/CheckVIN

 

[JerrBear]

Unfortunately it's pretty hit or miss just going by date when it's right on the cusp. You need to tell your mechanic to inspect the hole to see the tensioner.

If you wanna be safe just assume it has the old tensioner and do like your mechanic said and change out the chains, tensioner and guides all in one go. Prolly cost you around 1200.

Yeah that's the route I'm starting to lean towards, recently got a lot fixed with the car over the past year so I'm hoping after this it'll be good to me for a while lol. Thanks for all the info, really appreciate it!

 

[JerrBear]

They updated the tensioners mid 2012 build dates so I would assume you have the old version.

Good to know, I'm starting to lean towards just spending the money and replacing the tensioner. Thanks for all the help!

 

[JerrBear]

Well, that's not right, they don't just randomly go out, it's the early versions that are known to self-destruct and take the motor with it. Does this person have a specialty with German cars or is he just a jack-of-all-models?
And, you can't always trust the VW dealer techs, unfortunately, they're mostly clueless. I'm sure there are a few good ones out there (somewhere) but experience has taught most of us here that it's best to steer clear of VW service unless it's a warranty issue. Find yourself a good, qualified, German car shop.

Geez. From your responses......I'd search out a different indy mechanic, that specializes in VW/Audi/BMW/MB, something like that. It's a small matter to check the tensioner with a mirror thru that porthole, he should know that. Like JoeMama ^^^said, it's not the stretch that does the damage, it's when the tensioner lets go. And yea, if the tensioner DOES need replacing, as long as you're in there already just change everything out at this point, chain, guides, etc.

So the thing is the indy mechanic I've been going to is a VW/Audi/Porsche specialist but the guy who did my last service isn't the owner who usually does it and is maybe a partner or an employee? I'm thinking about calling the owner and getting his opinion on it but I'm pretty sure he'll say it'll be a good idea to do it for maintenance. I also think I probably have the early version that self-destructs because my car production date is 2011-11-26 and another user told me the updated chains came in the mid 2012's

Lol so it was actually the parts department I talked to and they sounded really unsure of what they were telling me. It was starting to sound like they wanted me to bring it into the dealership and at that point I said thanks and called another place.

 

[JerrBear]

replacing the tensioner now is cheaper than getting a new motor later.

Exactly the scenario that keeps running around in my head lol

 

[JerrBear]

I wonder if something like this would work:

https://timingchainlitigation.com/CheckVIN

My VIN doesn't qualify

 

[uglybastard]

Exactly the scenario that keeps running around in my head lol

I did it at about 122k I think. No regerts.

 

[JerrBear]

I did it at about 122k I think. No regerts.

How much did it cost you?

 

[uglybastard]

How much did it cost you?

mine seems to trend to the lower side of the spectrum, 1500ish i think. if they want more than 2000 i bent you can find someone local to do it as side work for less. and if you do make sure theye replacing chains tension guiderails all of it.

 

[JerrBear]

mine seems to trend to the lower side of the spectrum, 1500ish i think. if they want more than 2000 i bent you can find someone local to do it as side work for less. and if you do make sure theye replacing chains tension guiderails all of it.

Sounds good I'll get a quote today, thank you

 

[Joe_Mama]

 

[Joe_Mama]

 

[Joe_Mama]

Ok. I've had two different dealers look my vin up and tell me I have the new tensioner.

But this thread got me kind of paranoid, thinking maybe they were wrong.

I have an earlier production 2012 like you OP so this is relevant for you.

Point is I decided to check the tensioner myself today. Took all of 5 minutes. And lo and behold I do have the updated tensioner.

What I'm saying is several people in this thread have told you that if you have an early 2012 you have the old tensioner but it isn't that simple. My theory is they rolled out the new tensioner sporadically. Not all in one go.