R32 Timing Chain! - CRAP

[csd1uk]

So doing the right thing and trying to keep the car in tip-top condition I came in to BWA Auto to get the top mounts and bearings done, along with a general checkup.

I notified them of a noise coming from the engine bay, which I thought may have been the chain...low and behold this is confirmed by the guys here. The noise is coming from that area....don't exactly know what is the issue yet, but have been told around $2000 (2 days) labour + Parts + required oil change

Now I am not a scientist, but you would think a car barely 5 years old and 60k on the clock should have a timing chain issue.

Now I have the dilemma of either paying around $3000 to make sure my entire engine doesnt die, or try and pester VW Australia, on the finer lines of Aussie legislation protecting the consumer.

What do people think?!

My official thoughts are - THIS SUCKS

[HaydEn]

Damn. This does suck.

From what I've been told chains, if engine servicing is consistent and frequent, chains should last for a very long time 200xxxkm if not for ever.

[csd1uk]

That is what you would think right! This R32 has been serviced on time at the same VW Dealer it's entire life...so there should be no reason for anything like this to happen. The guys doing the suspension today said they had never seen it before on the Mk5, but know its a big job to get to!

[HaydEn]

I was told by one mechanic that my chain was stretched. But when I cracked it open, the guides were disintegrated. This could be the issue, however chain cars are louder than belt cars, and will be heard as they get older, but this noise should only be a slight rattle only noticeable with the bonnet open. If it's a very loud noise, you can bet that it is quite stretched and the guides are also fairly worn.

The biggest issue with the chain is that it is lubricated with engine oil, so on start up there is little oil on them. But surely seen you own a mk5 R32 your not a stupid driver and rev the crap out of it as you start it. Perhaps google some international sites and see if there is any other cases.

Could just be a factory fault on your particular car.. But highly unlikely.

[Capercat]

MK5 with 60K on the clock and in need of a timing chain is rare. It just may be one of things, but unfortunately it's an expensive one.

[csd1uk]

You are correct sir, I drive as carefully as poss when cold, no revs above 2500, until warm. I have read a lot about the mk4 having an issue in this areas, sensor position was checked on vcds this morning, that was good. It sounds more mechanical.

It's in limbo really, no errors or warning, the car drives okay. There is no big noise, and it's not always the same loudness, when you can hear it, you can hear it while driving.

You are brave splitting yours apart!!

[ian]

The first thing i would do is get a second opinion , even if you have to transport the vehicle to another destination Why dont you give Camden GTI a ring and get a price off Mathew for replacing the chain ?

[HaydEn]

I don't own a mk5 let alone R32.

I have a mk3 VR6, but essentially the same thing...

If it's a stretched chain or guides it'll be a rattle on first start up that is quite loud and noticeable and dies of a little but is still heard at idle and rpms. I took mine to a mechanic to get them to tell me what was wrong, and they pulled it apart and showed me for free. Maybe you could get the same done to verify that the chains are the issue and not something else.

[csd1uk]

I have been told that to even get to the chain to have a look involves a HUGE amount of work....a good day of labour.

The noise isnt really any louder when cold, I will pay more attention, but I normally heard it when I have stopped after a drive, or have been driving for a while.

I have had someone else have a quick look today, and they said it sounds like it could be something to do with the chain, or it could be the camshaft bearing as the sound appears to be coming from the top part of the engine!

I have it booked in with a dealer next Tuesday (cant believe I had to wait so long), as I think my work company (who I got the car through) want a second opinion from a dealer. I tried Camden GTI for some other work, but after numerous calls to them to chase, they never call me back, not once, so I gave up with them. Kind of sad, as I hear people say they are great.

[goodfella]

{stands up} I have a Bora V6 4mo and my I have noisy timing gear!

Its more the guides than the actual chain itself, and yes its damn expensive, mine is actually in getting done as we speak. Don't know if you have DSG or not, but I have gone the whole hog and replaced clutch, water pump etc as this work requires a half decent strip down.

If you have the budget, and if its even on the bucket list, get yourself a set of CAMS now as the works half done getting to them as well.

[csd1uk]

{stands up} I have a Bora V6 4mo and my I have noisy timing gear!

Hahahahaha

I think mine is going to be the guides as well. I did actually ask them to get me some prices for clutch and flywheel (as my DMF is a little on the vibratative (not a word but it should be) side) while it is all off to get that sorted.

I wasnt looking at CAMS, do you think it is really worthwhile? and any idea of how much they will set me back?!

Where are you getting yours completed? and hope you dont mind me being rude how much ya paying?

[Bora Sport]

FYI my Bora has had rattling/noisy chains at idle for around the last 140,000k's. Mine now has 225,000 on the clock. I wouldn't worry too much if I was you. Sure get it fixed if it concerns you but I believe that you don't have to panic. I would be surprised if it broke anything in the next 100,000k's. As I understand it VW usually assume that the clutch wear out before the chains have to be fixed. At which time you repair the lot.

[csd1uk]

Okay so the car went in to the dealer today...and he did his best to hide the pain....I think his first word were... "it's going to be expensive" followed up by an explanation of diagnosis, confirming timing chain etc is the issue (2 opinions agree on this).

BUT on the good front...because the car has been serviced with them since new (every service on time) and the car was actually their car from new, and the warranty only ran out 11 months ago (the ex owner actually had extended warranty until next feb with the same garage, but wasnt transferable)...they are going to raise it with the warranty department, etc and see what comes out of it....sounds like we may be onto something...even if it's a small contribution.

All I have to do now is wait until the end of the week to find out...nervous times