Is changing tensioner worth it 2014 GTI?

[bustin]

Hey Im new to the forum. Ive been looking at GTIs and most likely getting one tomorrow. My major concern was the timing chain tensioner and I know that in late 2012 the mk6 got the update. My question is if they need to be replaced still? I was looking at a 2014 with 120k miles and i wanted to know if i would need to get that fixed or if its good to go

 

[1ashchuckton]

I would certainly get it checked. The tensioner is like the ticking time bomb.

 

[AAnton]

The updated tensioner shouldn't be a NEED to be replaced item like the outdated version that was prone to fail. Timing chain stretch should be checked and monitored however.

 

[JOHNDERS2586]

Its interesting, I picked up a 14 GTI about 4 months ago, I have 115k on the clock right now. An I read all kinds of horror stories about the timing chain and tensioner ect.. However when I called several local VW shops inquiring about putting in a new chain/ tensioner in, they all acted confused, like it was not something they typically do for these cars "Uh... we don't typically do that on those cars".. These were VW/ European specialist type shops not dealers, or Meineke. Either several shops in my area are oblivious to this "common" problem. Or the internet is full of paranoid people.. I haven't decided yet.. I held off for now.. But I still feel like it may be worth it just for peace of mind.. Maybe the 14 it isn't such an issue. I read they supposedly updated the tensioner ..

 

[supreme_gti]

The updated tensioner shouldn't be a NEED to be replaced item like the outdated version that was prone to fail. Timing chain stretch should be checked and monitored however.

THIS^ I agree 100%, check for timing chain stretch regardless

 

[supreme_gti]

Its interesting, I picked up a 14 GTI about 4 months ago, I have 115k on the clock right now. An I read all kinds of horror stories about the timing chain and tensioner ect.. However when I called several local VW shops inquiring about putting in a new chain/ tensioner in, they all acted confused, like it was not something they typically do for these cars "Uh... we don't typically do that on those cars".. These were VW/ European specialist type shops not dealers, or Meineke. Either several shops in my area are oblivious to this "common" problem. Or the internet is full of paranoid people.. I haven't decided yet.. I held off for now.. But I still feel like it may be worth it just for peace of mind.. Maybe the 14 it isn't such an issue. I read they supposedly updated the tensioner ..

That's odd.... All the VW/Audi shops in my area know about this problem. ALL the shops I contacted know about the timing tensioner + chain stretch issue.. ALL of em... some of the shops only change the tensioner and not the chain, be careful, change the entire timing chain, tensioner, guides, rails, etc, NOT just the tensioner... otherwise you'll be doing this repair AGAIN. Which isn't smart.

If the shops act like they don't know, it's because they don't want to take on this job or don't have the man power/time to do it. IMO.

 

[GolNat]

Hey Im new to the forum. Ive been looking at GTIs and most likely getting one tomorrow. My major concern was the timing chain tensioner and I know that in late 2012 the mk6 got the update. My question is if they need to be replaced still? I was looking at a 2014 with 120k miles and i wanted to know if i would need to get that fixed or if its good to go

Without checking stretch with OBD11 or VagCom you have no way of knowing for sure. I’d verify with them or just assume it needs to be done and plan accordingly with money.

 

[GolNat]

Its interesting, I picked up a 14 GTI about 4 months ago, I have 115k on the clock right now. An I read all kinds of horror stories about the timing chain and tensioner ect.. However when I called several local VW shops inquiring about putting in a new chain/ tensioner in, they all acted confused, like it was not something they typically do for these cars "Uh... we don't typically do that on those cars".. These were VW/ European specialist type shops not dealers, or Meineke. Either several shops in my area are oblivious to this "common" problem. Or the internet is full of paranoid people.. I haven't decided yet.. I held off for now.. But I still feel like it may be worth it just for peace of mind.. Maybe the 14 it isn't such an issue. I read they supposedly updated the tensioner ..

Now you know what shops to avoid. It’s definitely an issue that’s why VW updated the part.

Even with an updated tensioner you still have to monitor stretch and real weight the timing components when it is out of spec. Yes it’s ridiculous as chains are generally “lifetime” but it’s the way it is.

 

[supreme_gti]

Now you know what shops to avoid. It’s definitely an issue that’s why VW updated the part.

Even with an updated tensioner you still have to monitor stretch and real weight the timing components when it is out of spec. Yes it’s ridiculous as chains are generally “lifetime” but it’s the way it is.

Wait so even with the updated tensioner, the chain can still stretch out of spec? wow... so I have to monitor the timing chain stretch via VAGCOM/OBD11 every year or so?

I thought after the tensioner update, the chain is good, timing won't skip, and no more ticking time bomb... crap.... this makes me wanna spank my GTI

 

[supreme_gti]

I should spank the VW/Audi engineer behind the 2.0TSI design...

 

[GolNat]

Wait so even with the updated tensioner, the chain can still stretch out of spec? wow... so I have to monitor the timing chain stretch via VAGCOM/OBD11 every year or so?

I thought after the tensioner update, the chain is good, timing won't skip, and no more ticking time bomb... crap.... this makes me wanna spank my GTI

Yep you still have to check it but it won’t catastrophically fail and cause a few thousand in damage.

 

[supreme_gti]

Yes. I’ll still check 1000%. Must stay informed at all times.

 

[BudgetPhoenix]

I think 2014s have at least one revision of chain that didn't wear as easily as the first few at least but good to check still. You can also pull the plug on the timing cover and check to see how many teeth are showing tensioner plunger but obdeleven is easiest way to check

 

[bustin]

Just want to update and you guys know I got the car! It rides very well and I'm excited to have it as my daily college driver! I wrecked my 8th gen Civic SI last week and ironically this car is a major upgrade

 

[jay745]

Just want to update and you guys know I got the car! It rides very well and I'm excited to have it as my daily college driver! I wrecked my 8th gen Civic SI last week and ironically this car is a major upgrade

Lol @ ironically. Did you expect it to be a downgrade from a civic?