How do i know if the chains and tensioners need doing?

[Jk* 0]

Is there any tale tale signs, or are people just doing them as a precaution @ around 100k these days?

Thanks in advance. (h)

[shelll 0]

i thought it made a whining noise at 2 grand, and i dont think its the chains which cause the probs its the tensioners and all that malarkey

not sure though but theres a females theory hehehe

[Jk* 0]

Can anyone else shed some light on this?

[Chrisdut 0]

think the only tell tale signs are the chains rattling, the noise is from the gearboxside in the area of the head

[Petesvw 0]

The chains do streatch over time mate, so even if it is just the tensioners, chains need to be replaced too!

Kilokilla is yer man on here to tell ya, but i see ya no where near stoke!

Maybee P.M jays 2.9VR, as he is from plymouth and altho he lives up our end, has all his engine work done down your way!

Failing that, try VW!

Only other thing i can say, is that, chains can go at 60k or still not be screwed at 130+!!

[purple highline monster 0]

play it by ear, if it sounds fooked then its fooked! as said its the tentioners they break up and jam the chains etc, the later cars had better designed guides but obviously they still wear out, depends on the way the cars been treated i suppose

[stockers 1]

as PHM said, if they is fooked you will defiately be able to hear them when you open the bonnet, sounds like a very noisy sewing machine. but if your engine is looked after with regular oil changes with a quality oil they should last way past 100k

[VR6_Absy 0]

If and when you need a new clutch renew all timing gear for definite ;-) you may not get another chance

Noise is an obvious sign as stated, if your guides are going u could find bits of plastic in your sump / oil pump strainer (removal of sump required) or on top of the head (removal of rocker cover) and all inlet manifold stuffs.

I haven't had a lot of luck with garages in Plymouth which is why i now do everything myself ;-)

[daniles 0]

I was told by VW you just need to change the upper and lower tensioners around the 100k mark there is no fixed or even predicted mileage for when the chain needs doing.

[Jk* 0]

If and when you need a new clutch renew all timing gear for definite ;-) you may not get another chance

Noise is an obvious sign as stated' date=' if your guides are going u could find bits of plastic in your sump / oil pump strainer (removal of sump required) or on top of the head (removal of rocker cover) and all inlet manifold stuffs.

I haven't had a lot of luck with garages in Plymouth which is why i now do everything myself ;-)

[/quote']

I may need to call on your services soon then!

[VR6_Absy 0]

I ain't no expert, just learnt from own experiences and advice from the top people on this site.

Always keen to help out a fellow VR owner ;-)

[poultonjoe 0]

If and when you need a new clutch renew all timing gear for definite ;-) you may not get another chance

Noise is an obvious sign as stated' date=' if your guides are going u could find bits of plastic in your sump / oil pump strainer (removal of sump required) or on top of the head (removal of rocker cover) and all inlet manifold stuffs.

I haven't had a lot of luck with garages in Plymouth which is why i now do everything myself ;-)

[/quote']

I may need to call on your services soon then!

likewise!

[rodney 17]

I have a m8 in the NE area who has set up his own mobile mechanic. he's VW trained. If you are struggling to find a decent guy to do it I can let you have his details. I must be honest I'm not too sure how far he travels from his base (Saltburn) or how his rates are. But he's gonna do mine in the next month or so (when I have the money together and get the weekend off to pop back)

Let me know and I post the details. No pressure (h) !

Should you want them, Am I allowed to post direct on the forum??? or does it have to be PM *-)

Cheers

[thegoth 5]

PM would be best. Less chance of some internet spider or scan bot type thing getting hold of them for spam purposes.

TG

[duncs 0]

if it's a -noticeable- rattle then yes probably need doing. mine need doing and sound like i have a couple of pygmies throwing a tin can full or marbles around under me bonnet :|

duncs

[vr6highline28 0]

i had my vr last serviced at c and r enterprises (in nottingham) when it had done about 73k - i asked about the timing chain and the reply was simple ... if its making a loud noise get it looked at !!!

[HiPurVR6 0]

I went into the main stealer in exeter and was told not to change them until required!! They wouldn't even quote for the work. Only said to change all other belts and would inspect cam chain and tensioners. Guess it's up to you!!

[GVK 1]

We did the guides/tensioners/chains on mine at the weekend, when the engine was in the Passat donor it was very quiet. However, the upper guide had a mounting point broken (eeek!!) and was worn through to the rivets.

Pleased I didn't chance it and fit it as it was!