Author Topic: Timing Chain tensioner Failure List (timing issue)- Please Update with Your Info  (Read 362446 times)

Offline Pld118

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Hi, I've got concerns that our manual 2010MY might be afflicted by symptoms of this issue (either that or the starter motor might be on the way out) because on cold start up there is a brief grinding or rattle noise, I'm sure of it and our other cars don't make any such noises. 

I've listened to Rocket Ross' page 1 you tube sound byte of the issue and am fairly certain ours sound similar. 

I've got a good ipad recording of ours but don't know how to post it on the website.  If anyone who has technical knowledge of this issue and/ or has been afflicted by a start up noise that was proven to be this very issue, would you please be prepared to give me your email address and I can send you my clip of ours as the dealership seems to be saying there is nothing wrong with it.

Thanks.

Offline RocketRossUK

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Hi, I've got concerns that our manual 2010MY might be afflicted by symptoms of this issue (either that or the starter motor might be on the way out) because on cold start up there is a brief grinding or rattle noise, I'm sure of it and our other cars don't make any such noises. 

I've listened to Rocket Ross' page 1 you tube sound byte of the issue and am fairly certain ours sound similar. 

I've got a good ipad recording of ours but don't know how to post it on the website.  If anyone who has technical knowledge of this issue and/ or has been afflicted by a start up noise that was proven to be this very issue, would you please be prepared to give me your email address and I can send you my clip of ours as the dealership seems to be saying there is nothing wrong with it.

Thanks.

Ryan has sent the audio clip to me, and I can confirm it has medium chain rattle - Sound like it has anywhere between 4-12 weeks before it will go. Ryan has mention he can have a refund on his car. Good luck and i hope yo get it sorted.
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 goodsum

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My car has just started to make that horrible grindy noise on startup in the last couple days. From a bit of digging around, I believe it is this Timing Chain tensioner problem! It has only happened a couple of times, but it has been since I topped up the oil a few days ago with 5w30 FS. I only bought the car 1 week ago! I phoned the previous company to service it and they assured me that this was the oil they used when they changed it, so I can only presume that is correct.

What is my best course of action? Get a new tensioner fitted ASAP?

Offline Pld118

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@goodsum - if you bought privately, in your position, I would get the car to a recc Indy Specialist and have it assessed with a view to replacement of the TC tensioner etc which I understand is around £350.

If you bought it from a garage, I would get it back to them and request competent correction work to be done or ask for a refund.


Offline RocketRossUK

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My car has just started to make that horrible grindy noise on startup in the last couple days. From a bit of digging around, I believe it is this Timing Chain tensioner problem! It has only happened a couple of times, but it has been since I topped up the oil a few days ago with 5w30 FS. I only bought the car 1 week ago! I phoned the previous company to service it and they assured me that this was the oil they used when they changed it, so I can only presume that is correct.

What is my best course of action? Get a new tensioner fitted ASAP?

The noise isn't so much of a grinding sound, it more like a lose chain slapping other metal components (slack chain).

The noise comes on slowly and gets worse as the it gets slacker. Wait for a cold start up and record the sound. We can have a listen and advise from there.
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 Pld118

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According to a reply received from the selling dealership today, our car is not afflicted with this issue, their explanation for this particular issue being:
 
"This is not a [ignition/starter motor] flywheel or timing chain issue, and in our opinion is the engine building oil pressure from a cold start."

For this and other legitimate reasons, I've asked for a full refund on the car.

Offline Booth11

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According to a reply received from the selling dealership today, our car is not afflicted with this issue, their explanation for this particular issue being:
 
"This is not a [ignition/starter motor] flywheel or timing chain issue, and in our opinion is the engine building oil pressure from a cold start."

For this and other legitimate reasons, I've asked for a full refund on the car.


A sound move on your part.  They are fobbing you off.
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Offline gaurav_aidasani

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Dear all

Having stumbled across this thread by accident (as I was looking for FW/Map updates etc!), I am starting to get worried about my GTI.

Towards the end of march this year I bought a GTI mk6 with 59 plate and 1st registered in Jan 2010 from a private seller (he was 4th owner) with 29,000 miles on the clock. The car is in fantastic condition with full VW history and no remarks on any of the services (I had cross checked to see if everything matched on the service book). The car has been an absolute joy to drive so far and have had no issues with it at all. I live in London so only use it over weekends to go over to gf's house (in Hertfordshire) therefore cover about 60 miles (I've done 900 miles in total so far). I haven't played the audio which has been posted on the forum yet, but whenever I start its as though i've started up a diesel (I may be going a bit paranoid!). I was quite worried at first but found at other forums that it's normal, and have  that grin back on my face when the turbo kicks in on the motorway (fantastic grunt!).

I have a minor service coming up in a month and a major one in Jan 2015, but I have decided to save a bit of money and do the major one now (as suggested by local VW dealer).

However, I am worried about the tensioner failure issues, so any suggestions on what I should do? Shall I get it replaced now or later at the service interval? Or simply should I enjoy the car and service as normal (hopefully they'll advise whether it needs replacing or not?).

Also, as the warranty has expired, shall I purchase a warranty? My family have always had good experiences with VWs, have had 3/4 polos over 10 years old and have never failed, so for me VW reliability experience is pretty solid.

p.s. the car is a manual, not sure if the tensioner failure is more of an issue on DSGs or manuals, or indifferent?
 
Thanks
« Last Edit: 02 June 2014, 13:29 by gaurav_aidasani »

Offline RocketRossUK

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No difference in manual or DSG.

I would enjoy the car until you start hearing the chain slap for 2-4 second while the pressure builds up.

Your car could be fine for another 10 years. You will know when the chain is starting to get slack, it gets worse and worse. At that point i would then get an indie to change it for you, approx £350 including labour.
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 gaurav_aidasani

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Brilliant, just the answer I was looking for!

Will enjoy it with peace of mind but with an ear on any funny sounds.