I have done multiple searches and looks like I might be ok. I have a 2013 with a build of 2012/October. Looks like there may have been multiple revisions so am I ok? I plan on having it checked out but having a good idea will help me plan my summer mods. Love the car just didn’t do my research first or I would have looked into it before I bought it. Hopefully o don’t have to fork out the cash for one. I plan on better tires (came with all seasons that aren’t that good), a stage 1 tune with plugs and coils, possible clutch depending on how stock holds up, and turbo back exhaust if clutch holds up. What a great car. Now I see why it makes the top 10 list every year. I am very happy with it. The only issue is this tensioner. I think VW should have taken care of that issue for people as it’s something that can cost a rediculous amount of cash if it fails. That’s all about that as I’m sure people are sick of that topic. Any help with my build date would be much appreciate. Thanks
6
Newbie chain tensioner question
- Thread starter Antman1
- Start date
Allchokedup
Autocross Champion
My chain tensioner took a dump and jumped time. It still ran and i drove it to my friends shop. $1100 later its all better, i got very lucky..
As for clutch, when i went stage 2 mine started slipping. The rear main seal was partly to blame. Put in south bend stage 2 with new flywheel. Life is good...
As for clutch, when i went stage 2 mine started slipping. The rear main seal was partly to blame. Put in south bend stage 2 with new flywheel. Life is good...
Nice. So I should be ok with my 2013. Thanks for the reply. Looks like more money for other stuff.
GreyGti1990
Ready to race!
It's also not hard to check the tensioner yourself. You just gotta jack up the front end of the car. Get under it, take off the plastic belly pan and towards the passenger side of the vehicle, where the underdrive pulleys are, there will be a black rubber plug. Take the plug out and either use a mirror or your phone and take pictures. Its a tight fit for sure but I was able to use my Iphone 6 plus to take a picture of the tensioner and post it up on here and the forum powers to be told me if it was old or new.
Mine was old
and i had to have it replaced. Replaced that and the cam bridge at a very experienced shop for $1,500. Probably could have it done cheaper. But I didn't want to worry about it being done improperly or any of that nonsense. I believe I replaced it at 80k miles. Mine is a 2011 Gti.
Mine was old
and i had to have it replaced. Replaced that and the cam bridge at a very experienced shop for $1,500. Probably could have it done cheaper. But I didn't want to worry about it being done improperly or any of that nonsense. I believe I replaced it at 80k miles. Mine is a 2011 Gti.
dustbunny227
Autocross Champion
It's also not hard to check the tensioner yourself. You just gotta jack up the front end of the car. Get under it, take off the plastic belly pan and towards the passenger side of the vehicle, where the underdrive pulleys are, there will be a black rubber plug. Take the plug out and either use a mirror or your phone and take pictures. Its a tight fit for sure but I was able to use my Iphone 6 plus to take a picture of the tensioner and post it up on here and the forum powers to be told me if it was old or new.
Mine was old
Getting nervous.. I have a 2011 with almost 120k miles. I should probably check my tensioner.... It had 50k when I bought it...
GreyGti1990
Ready to race!
I'd probably at least check to see if you have the updated tensioner or not. I believe some 2011's do; mine didn't. And I replaced it for peace of mind. No idea if it was close to failing or not. The shop didn't make a big deal over it so it probably looked fine but that just me assuming. At 120k miles you mind as well just do a full timing chain job. Chains, guides, tensioners as chances are that the chain may be starting to stretch.
I'll probably be doing this all again around 120/30/40k miles depending on how things run/sound by that mileage.
I really want to keep this thing and see 200k then rebuild it eventually... when i have the proper space to do so and the tools.
Also, stupid CBFA engines!! My secondary air injection system (the thing that makes all the noise on cold starts) stopped working and is throwing a check engine light... only on CBFA cars! So I gotta figure that out next.
dustbunny227
Autocross Champion
Yeah, Ill have to take it to my buddys shop... I only let one shop work on my car if I'm not doing the work. I hate my CBFA... I didnt know I had it until I started shopping around for parts and saw there was a CCTA and CBFA so I went looking for that secondary air filter... Everything is like $30 more just because it has that motor...
StorminNorman
Passed Driver's Ed
I have a 2013 with a build of 09/2012 and it has the new tensioner also
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice so there’s a good chance I have the new one. I’m going to double check and if so that’s an extra grand for a turbo back. Thanks for the replies. Not counting on it being the New one until I see for sure but feel a lot better about it.
PhthaloType
Go Kart Champion
MY13, 7/12 build date (motor and vehicle), new revision tensioner.
From what I gathered while researching the topic before buying a GTI, there was no "hard" cutoff date where they changed the part. It's been said they used up existing stocks of the old one while they phased in the new one, so for mid-2012 builds it's kind of a gamble. One of these days when I'm bored enough, I want to do a thorough search and make a table to prove or disprove this theory.
Yours is probably good, but definitely check anyway just for total peace of mind.
From what I gathered while researching the topic before buying a GTI, there was no "hard" cutoff date where they changed the part. It's been said they used up existing stocks of the old one while they phased in the new one, so for mid-2012 builds it's kind of a gamble. One of these days when I'm bored enough, I want to do a thorough search and make a table to prove or disprove this theory.
Yours is probably good, but definitely check anyway just for total peace of mind.
Yadadameans
Ready to race!
I have a 2011 and just did my timing chain tensioner at 133k miles. Mine looked fine still but it's just a peace of mind to get it changed. If you're in the bay area, I got a friend that can do the install for 250$ and you buy the parts. He was a VW tech for a long time, done over 20 timing chain tensioners for us and has the special tool.
Crusader10143
Passed Driver's Ed
Anyone know where to find the month for the build date? Mines a 2012 but not sure what month it was built in.