Cam chain, tensioner... How to determine adjuster??

[bimbound]

So I have the increasingly common issue of my mk5 sounding like a diesel.

I'm looking at getting the chain and tensioner replaced and see some people also have the adjuster replaced at the same time.

I know the part is pricey but don't want to omit it only to find 6 months down the road it needs doing, but equally could find a better use of the extra £350 or so if it doesn't need doing!

Is there an inspection that can made of the adjuster to determine if it's bad?

Thanks

[ReflexRob]

The adjuster might break the week after you have the work done. You will only get the most peace of mind if you change it or be prepared to take the risk.

I think I'm going to risk it......

[GTi-Andy]

I was in the same boat as you.

But I bit the bullet and did it anyway - I really don't think there is a way of checking it

Peace of mind and all that!

[bimbound]

Thought this might be the case, i'll just have to suck it up and replace it then.

[GTi-Andy]

You'd only have to take it all apart again if it was still making the diesel noise

[bimbound]

You'd only have to take it all apart again if it was still making the diesel noise

Being far from handy with a spanner I will be relying on a garage to complete the work. I'm assuming taking it all apart again is going to cost half in labour what it would to just replace the adjuster first time around?!

[GTi-Andy]

You'd only have to take it all apart again if it was still making the diesel noise

Being far from handy with a spanner I will be relying on a garage to complete the work. I'm assuming taking it all apart again is going to cost half in labour what it would to just replace the adjuster first time around?!

Hmmm that would be a question for your garage to answer.

However from experience the majority of the time in labour is stripping everything down to get to the tensioner etc

[dazza]

I cant recall a member on here changing the chain and tensioner then having to change the adjustor.

[JamieBiz]

I'm far from handy with a spanner too but is it a hard job? is it easy to mess up?  i'm guessing it could go wrong quite badly if so...

[CarlW]

i've just had the same done on mine as mine was really noisey and the chain was loose too.. had all new put on without changing the adjuster and made a massive difference on my 05 AXX engine but like people have said.. its more of a piece of mind question rather than if it actually needs changing

[JamieBiz]

i've just had the same done on mine as mine was really noisey and the chain was loose too.. had all new put on without changing the adjuster and made a massive difference on my 05 AXX engine but like people have said.. its more of a piece of mind question rather than if it actually needs changing

It made a massive difference in sound? a couple people have asked if i'm driving a diesel Gti replica the last few weeks! wanted to punch them both!! i think is worth doing now, how much did it come to without the adjuster being done mate?

[CarlW]

Yes mate the sound has really reduced.. It cost me around £450 but that was with other work being done as well as.

[JamieBiz]

Ah so its not going to bankrupt me, i think ill get it booked in and tell them to only replace the adjuster if they think it needs changing. they told me recently that with the mileage my car is on (65K) that it shouldn't need doing but i'm not so sure. they also said that because my engine cover is not on it sounds louder than normal, but i think that was just a lazy diagnosis to be honest.

Thanks Mate

[dazza]

Don't think there is a way to diagnose/visually inspect the adjustor.

[-AC-]

@bimbound did you end up getting this done?

Did you replace the adjuster? In the same boat myself but could do without replacing the adjuster from a cost perspective.

@Peskyjones did you get this done without the adjuster as well?