Author Topic: Timing Chain tensioner Failure List (timing issue)- Please Update with Your Info  (Read 362427 times)

Offline david25

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 504
Thanks could you post the exact date of your car, I've also got a 2011 model and thought these were OK.
Now = 2011 MK6 GTI - Reflex Silver
Past = 2006 MK5 GTI - Tornado Red and Solid Black

Offline jord91

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 72
march 2011 basically with the mileage at 86k my garage said its usually about right they usually changed around this type of mileage anyway

Offline roblyt

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 26
add mine to that list
just went yesterday :sad:
2009, 56k miles,fsh
dont know the full extent of the damage yet but AA man who recovered said it dont look good at all


Offline jamie_b52

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 1
West Sussex. failed @ 60,020 on a 2010 plate.  serviced yearly, failed with no warning upon cold start. Purchased the car 3 months ago, attempting to recover cost from supplying dealer. awaiting diagnostic from independent specialist to gauge extent of damage.
will update with verdict.

Offline Nitrou76

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Hi guys

I'm new to this forum as I've just bought a 60 (Sept) plate GTI DSG.  Always wanted a GTI since my brothers Very hot MK1 in the early 90's.  Only had this a few days now and got to reading forums and found this.

I see a lot of mention in the pages about 09/59/10 plate cars having this issue and not so much anything above. Is anybody aware of any 60 plates having failed?  I'll be completely honest, I didn't read all the pages entirely but scanned through the majority of them.

Nice to see a place where guys stick together  :smiley:

Thanks in advance

Offline joe6

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
Hi guys

I'm new to this forum as I've just bought a 60 (Sept) plate GTI DSG.  Always wanted a GTI since my brothers Very hot MK1 in the early 90's.  Only had this a few days now and got to reading forums and found this.

I see a lot of mention in the pages about 09/59/10 plate cars having this issue and not so much anything above. Is anybody aware of any 60 plates having failed?  I'll be completely honest, I didn't read all the pages entirely but scanned through the majority of them.

Nice to see a place where guys stick together  :smiley:

Thanks in advance

Hi Nitrou76

Welcome to the forum. Hope you are enjoying the car. I love mine. There were 3 versions of the tensioner that VW produced to try to solve the problem. Cars up to 2011 can suffer from tensioner failure so that includes 60 plate cars that I believe were fitted with version 2 of the tensioner and also timing chain stretch. VW do not have accurate records of when the changes were made. It is possible to check both. There is an inspection plug in the timing chain casing that can be removed to check how far the tensioner has extended - there are a number of teeth on a ratchet and as the tensioner wears they protrude further out of the casing. However, getting to the plug is near impossible and when removed needs a mirror to see the tensioner. A new plug is required after inspection. The chain stretch can be checked using VCDS (engine diagnostic software). From 2011 VW produced a stronger version of the timing chains. To change tensioner and timing chains and associated chain guides costs about £900 at an independent garage. Replacement parts will have the latest versions of tensioner and chains. If the car has done a large mileage then as a minimum I would get it checked out. There a photos/videos on the net that show how to go about the checks. Seat and Skoda suffered the same problems with this version of the engine. Symptoms of potential failure are a rattle at the timing chain side of the engine but not to be confused with injector noise - these engines are quite noisy when you have the bonnet open.

I have not had a problem with my 10 plate GTI but had the tensioner checked at the last service (75K miles)and check the timing myself with VCDS a couple of times a year. Had the car from new and do frequent oil and filter changes, don't put pedal to metal until the engine oil is up to operating temperature. Hope that is helpful.

PS. If you have the car service record then you should be able to check work done. Some cars had replacement engines under warranty and any VW dealer will be able to look up their service records of work done if you have the reg number and vin.
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline Nitrou76

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Thanks for the reply mate very useful. I checked the service book and the timing chain always has “no” ticked. I see the car was last serviced in May. I may just get the local VW independent here to change it with the next service. After reading this forum today I went out, opened up the bonnet and started it, didn’t hear any roughness and just purred from the start. Mileage is in 60k

Yeah I’m loving the car, it’s an absolute joy to drive, I’ve driven many turbo cars over the years but this car just makes me smile from ear to ear every time.


Offline Nitrou76

  • Just got here
  • *
  • Posts: 3
By the way, what VCDS do you use? I’ve been doing some reading on that Carista device. Might get one? I’ll search the forums and check if the guys here use them.

Offline joe6

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
By the way, what VCDS do you use? I’ve been doing some reading on that Carista device. Might get one? I’ll search the forums and check if the guys here use them.

I have the Ross Tech version. I have had a few VWs and my daughter has a SEAT so I bit the bullet and got one. I have also used the OBDeleven PRO and that seems quite good for diagnostics and making some changes but does not have the same in depth capability of Ross Tech. Quite a few guys on the Polo and SEAT forums use the OBD and are pleased with results.
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline Arr0nUK

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 18
I've been quoted £635 to get the chain, tensioner and followers ect done.
Currently on 72k 2009 GTI with the everyday stress of turning the key  :laugh: