Author Topic: Timing Chain tensioner Failure List (timing issue)- Please Update with Your Info  (Read 362613 times)

Offline ScreenMachine

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I think it's certainly become a serious enough issue it might stand a chance of appearing on the programme, especially if you pitch it as a kind of 'hot on the heels of the Audi piton rings, another VW engine causing owners big headaches and big bills...'

Are there other forums with similar lists? The more owners/evidence you have there's a serious issue, the better.

Offline mikegti77

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Thought I’d update my experience since having my tension replaced 2 years and around 25k miles ago, and unfortunately it’s not good reading….

To recap, my car is a 2009 59 reg, totally standard in everyway, serviced every 10K miles without fail and driven with mechanical symphony. Current mileage is 79K, mileage when tensioner was first replaced to latest design was around 52K miles.

All has been good until around 3 weeks ago when the car began to feel ‘flat’ under 4K rpm, almost like I had lost 70bhp and the engine was holding back, and it sounded like a sewing machine at idle. Booked in my local indie specialist who after inspecting confirmed a stretched timing chain – causing timing to be out, hence slowness and sewing machine noise. It is worth pointing out I only changed the tensioner at 52K not the chain as well. So being an early car the chain has a TPI against it as it has been revised since. During strip down not only was the chain stretched, but the car had suffered exactly the same issue with the cam pressure release valve casting (think that’s the correct term) as ‘RocketRossUK’ on page 39 of this thread, even down to the mesh coming away. Luckily like RocketRossUK no damaged was caused to the engine.

I have the car back, what difference, quiet and response again. In the end I had new chain (latest version), chain guides, chain tensioner (latest version again), cam pressure release valve (updated version), chain cover, oil and filter. Oh, and just to add to the final bill my sump was also heavily pitted and rusting, resulting in oil starting to seep through, so a new sump was also fitted. Top tip btw – check your sumps condition, as VW do not fitted protection plastic under trays under the sump like the diesels, which means stones and elements get to it.

I can only echo everyone thoughts on the thread – the Mk6 GTI is a great car, but VW really dropped the ball with the early TSI 2.0 engines.  The timing chain is not on any servicing schedule to be changed, and therefore should last the life of the car, or certainly a lot longer than 79K. You only have to search on autotrader private sales nationwide to see people selling 2009 / 2010 GTI’s with new engines fitted to see the problem is fairly wide spread. My advice if looking at 2009 / 2010 GTI's would be to either buy a car with a new VW engine fitted, or with new chain / tensioner, or budget to get it done ASAP or spend £400 a year on VW warranty. I really fancy a MK7 GTI, but I’ll be hanging onto my MK6 for a while yet to ensure there is evidence that the MK7 TSI’s are better.

On the same week that my timing chain was diagnosed, someone also bumped into the rear of the car while sat in traffic, resulting in the car being repaired through their insurance next week – new rear nudge bar and bumper. Not the best of weeks! LOL

Rant over  :smiley:
« Last Edit: 23 February 2016, 16:19 by mikegti77 »
MK7 GTI, Carbon Grey, Pan Sunroof

Offline RocketRossUK

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^^^^As above it very important to have all the parts changed not just the tensioner. Even though i have all the parts changed, there is still worry about it coming back. I make sure i pop the hood once every 2 weeks and listen to cold start up.

MK6 GTI CSG | Revo Stage 2 | Revo Stage 2 Intake | Milltek 3" TB Exhaust | SuperPro Anti Lift Kit | H&R ARB's | Bilstein B12 | TT Short Shifter |Mintex M1144 Race Pads | HEL Braided Lines |

MK5 GTI - DSG + Extras (Sold because DSG was Soooo Boring !!!)

Offline Hardwell

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Thought I’d update my experience since having my tension replaced 2 years and around 25k miles ago, and unfortunately it’s not good reading….

To recap, my car is a 2009 59 reg, totally standard in everyway, serviced every 10K miles without fail and driven with mechanical symphony. Current mileage is 79K, mileage when tensioner was first replaced to latest design was around 52K miles.

All has been good until around 3 weeks ago when the car began to feel ‘flat’ under 4K rpm, almost like I had lost 70bhp and the engine was holding back, and it sounded like a sewing machine at idle. Booked in my local indie specialist who after inspecting confirmed a stretched timing chain – causing timing to be out, hence slowness and sewing machine noise. It is worth pointing out I only changed the tensioner at 52K not the chain as well. So being an early car the chain has a TPI against it as it has been revised since. During strip down not only was the chain stretched, but the car had suffered exactly the same issue with the cam pressure release valve casting (think that’s the correct term) as ‘RocketRossUK’ on page 39 of this thread, even down to the mesh coming away. Luckily like RocketRossUK no damaged was caused to the engine.

I have the car back, what difference, quiet and response again. In the end I had new chain (latest version), chain guides, chain tensioner (latest version again), cam pressure release valve (updated version), chain cover, oil and filter. Oh, and just to add to the final bill my sump was also heavily pitted and rusting, resulting in oil starting to seep through, so a new sump was also fitted. Top tip btw – check your sumps condition, as VW do not fitted protection plastic under trays under the sump like the diesels, which means stones and elements get to it.

I can only echo everyone thoughts on the thread – the Mk6 GTI is a great car, but VW really dropped the ball with the early TSI 2.0 engines.  The timing chain is not on any servicing schedule to be changed, and therefore should last the life of the car, or certainly a lot longer than 79K. You only have to search on autotrader private sales nationwide to see people selling 2009 / 2010 GTI’s with new engines fitted to see the problem is fairly wide spread. My advice if looking at 2009 / 2010 GTI's would be to either buy a car with a new VW engine fitted, or with new chain / tensioner, or budget to get it done ASAP or spend £400 a year on VW warranty. I really fancy a MK7 GTI, but I’ll be hanging onto my MK6 for a while yet to ensure there is evidence that the MK7 TSI’s are better.

On the same week that my timing chain was diagnosed, someone also bumped into the rear of the car while sat in traffic, resulting in the car being repaired through their insurance next week – new rear nudge bar and bumper. Not the best of weeks! LOL

Rant over  :smiley:

Hey, how much did the Indie charge you, if you don't mind me asking?  I had exactly the same replaced at a main dealer.

I'm like you on the MK7 as it's too soon to tell whether VW have sorted it for good.  I might go down the GTD route next as they're belt driven still.
MK6 Golf GTi - Candy White - Xenons - RNS510 - Dynaudio - Bluetooth - 18" Monzas. Mods so far - Genuine LED rears - Milltek exhaust.

Offline Hardwell

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I think it's certainly become a serious enough issue it might stand a chance of appearing on the programme, especially if you pitch it as a kind of 'hot on the heels of the Audi piton rings, another VW engine causing owners big headaches and big bills...'

Are there other forums with similar lists? The more owners/evidence you have there's a serious issue, the better.

Did you decide on what to get next?  I've been in a couple of MK6 GTDs and they're seriously rapid - especially in gear times.
MK6 Golf GTi - Candy White - Xenons - RNS510 - Dynaudio - Bluetooth - 18" Monzas. Mods so far - Genuine LED rears - Milltek exhaust.

Offline mikegti77

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  • Posts: 67
Thought I’d update my experience since having my tension replaced 2 years and around 25k miles ago, and unfortunately it’s not good reading….

To recap, my car is a 2009 59 reg, totally standard in everyway, serviced every 10K miles without fail and driven with mechanical symphony. Current mileage is 79K, mileage when tensioner was first replaced to latest design was around 52K miles.

All has been good until around 3 weeks ago when the car began to feel ‘flat’ under 4K rpm, almost like I had lost 70bhp and the engine was holding back, and it sounded like a sewing machine at idle. Booked in my local indie specialist who after inspecting confirmed a stretched timing chain – causing timing to be out, hence slowness and sewing machine noise. It is worth pointing out I only changed the tensioner at 52K not the chain as well. So being an early car the chain has a TPI against it as it has been revised since. During strip down not only was the chain stretched, but the car had suffered exactly the same issue with the cam pressure release valve casting (think that’s the correct term) as ‘RocketRossUK’ on page 39 of this thread, even down to the mesh coming away. Luckily like RocketRossUK no damaged was caused to the engine.

I have the car back, what difference, quiet and response again. In the end I had new chain (latest version), chain guides, chain tensioner (latest version again), cam pressure release valve (updated version), chain cover, oil and filter. Oh, and just to add to the final bill my sump was also heavily pitted and rusting, resulting in oil starting to seep through, so a new sump was also fitted. Top tip btw – check your sumps condition, as VW do not fitted protection plastic under trays under the sump like the diesels, which means stones and elements get to it.

I can only echo everyone thoughts on the thread – the Mk6 GTI is a great car, but VW really dropped the ball with the early TSI 2.0 engines.  The timing chain is not on any servicing schedule to be changed, and therefore should last the life of the car, or certainly a lot longer than 79K. You only have to search on autotrader private sales nationwide to see people selling 2009 / 2010 GTI’s with new engines fitted to see the problem is fairly wide spread. My advice if looking at 2009 / 2010 GTI's would be to either buy a car with a new VW engine fitted, or with new chain / tensioner, or budget to get it done ASAP or spend £400 a year on VW warranty. I really fancy a MK7 GTI, but I’ll be hanging onto my MK6 for a while yet to ensure there is evidence that the MK7 TSI’s are better.

On the same week that my timing chain was diagnosed, someone also bumped into the rear of the car while sat in traffic, resulting in the car being repaired through their insurance next week – new rear nudge bar and bumper. Not the best of weeks! LOL

Rant over  :smiley:

Hey, how much did the Indie charge you, if you don't mind me asking?  I had exactly the same replaced at a main dealer.

I'm like you on the MK7 as it's too soon to tell whether VW have sorted it for good.  I might go down the GTD route next as they're belt driven still.

No I don't mind telling, the cost may help other members decide on getting the work done or what to expect if the worst happens. Not much change out of £800 with labour (5 hours), parts & good old VAT. But remember I had a new sump fitted, so knock off £125 for the sump. Not sure how that compares to a main stealer if you were paying.
« Last Edit: 23 February 2016, 20:25 by mikegti77 »
MK7 GTI, Carbon Grey, Pan Sunroof

Offline Hardwell

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I paid £1390 at a main dealer!  Wow, that was a bloody good price mate.
MK6 Golf GTi - Candy White - Xenons - RNS510 - Dynaudio - Bluetooth - 18" Monzas. Mods so far - Genuine LED rears - Milltek exhaust.

Offline mikegti77

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I paid £1390 at a main dealer!  Wow, that was a bloody good price mate.

I guess the main difference would have been labour charge per hour, mine was £792 including the new sump. Pleased yours sorted, it does leave sour taste in your mouth, sad to say but the mk6 gti maybe remembered for the wrong reasons. It will certainly make me think twice before buying another TSI VW.
MK7 GTI, Carbon Grey, Pan Sunroof

Offline Hardwell

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I paid £1390 at a main dealer!  Wow, that was a bloody good price mate.

I guess the main difference would have been labour charge per hour, mine was £792 including the new sump. Pleased yours sorted, it does leave sour taste in your mouth, sad to say but the mk6 gti maybe remembered for the wrong reasons. It will certainly make me think twice before buying another TSI VW.

I'm pleased it's done, but the sad thing is I still don't trust it.  I'm just gutted that none of the indies round my way had the tools to take the job on as yours was pretty much half the price of mine.

To be honest, I don't like the fact VW let this problem go as it means they'd probably do it again.  My mate was telling me earlier that they've postponed release of the new Focus RS as they've found a major mechanical issue on extended testing. This is costing Ford serious money as they've had to shut down production while they design the problem out when they could have gone the cheap(er) and easier route of releasing it anyway and fixing the cars that do go wrong whilst still under warranty.  The difference between American and German customer service.
« Last Edit: 23 February 2016, 22:32 by Hardwell »
MK6 Golf GTi - Candy White - Xenons - RNS510 - Dynaudio - Bluetooth - 18" Monzas. Mods so far - Genuine LED rears - Milltek exhaust.

Offline mikegti77

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I paid £1390 at a main dealer!  Wow, that was a bloody good price mate.

I guess the main difference would have been labour charge per hour, mine was £792 including the new sump. Pleased yours sorted, it does leave sour taste in your mouth, sad to say but the mk6 gti maybe remembered for the wrong reasons. It will certainly make me think twice before buying another TSI VW.

I'm pleased it's done, but the sad thing is I still don't trust it.  I'm just gutted that none of the indies round my way had the tools to take the job on as yours was pretty much half the price of mine.

To be honest, I don't like the fact VW let this problem go as it means they'd probably do it again.  My mate was telling me earlier that they've postponed release of the new Focus RS as they've found a major mechanical issue on extended testing. This is costing Ford serious money as they've had to shut down production when they could have gone the cheap(er) and easier route of releasing it anyway and fixing the cars that do go wrong whilst still under warranty.  The difference between American and German customer service.

Funny you should mention special tools, my indie had to buy in a special tool from vw for the job, added a days wait onto the job.

Yeah VW are not doing themselves any favour's at the moment with customers on top of diesel gate.
MK7 GTI, Carbon Grey, Pan Sunroof