Timing chain repair costs ? RESOLVED

[Raj2212]

Hi.

I have the dreaded rattle when my cars warmed up, coming from the left hand side of the engine looking out, took it to two different mechanics. Both have said my timing chain has stretched and needs a new one.

One has quoted me £900 and the other £600.

What do you guys think. Is that the average price for a changed timing chain.  I'm looking to go as cheap as possible. Can it be done for less ? What have other people had it done for ?   
And how long does it roughly take to get changed over?

Many Thanks

[pudding]

Some places include a new VVT adjuster (around £300 just for the part) in their quote because of how easily the bolt can round out when removing it.

It can be done DIY for just the cost of parts in around 3-4 hours, but you do need to buy or borrow a decent cam locking tool.

[Raj2212]

Some places include a new VVT adjuster (around £300 just for the part) in their quote because of how easily the bolt can round out when removing it.

It can be done DIY for just the cost of parts in around 3-4 hours, but you do need to buy or borrow a decent cam locking tool.

Thanks for your reply. I won't be able to do it myself. I've no experience at all.
You recon if I tell them to leave the adjuster that could save me some costs.

I'll give them a call and see if it can be done cheaper.  Might ring a couple of others too. Hoping I can get it sorted in the £350-400 region.

[Raj2212]

Update:

Managed to find a vag specialist to deal with just the chain and tensioner, genuine  parts  from TPS. All in at £367.00
Will probs get the adjuster done in the future if the noise persists.

Parts are £167.00
Labour £200.00.

Fingers crossed the stupid noise goes. 

[Gtcpaul1971]

Update:

Managed to find a vag specialist to deal with just the chain and tensioner, genuine  parts  from TPS. All in at £367.00
Will probs get the adjuster done in the future if the noise persists.

Parts are £167.00
Labour £200.00.

Fingers crossed the stupid noise goes. 

Hi again Raj,
Might not get rid of the noise, apparently to be sure you need the adjuster doing at the same time?  That's what Midlands VW told me! I am going to get just the chain and tensioner done as I don't have the noise when warm.

[Raj2212]

Update:

Managed to find a vag specialist to deal with just the chain and tensioner, genuine  parts  from TPS. All in at £367.00
Will probs get the adjuster done in the future if the noise persists.

Parts are £167.00
Labour £200.00.

Fingers crossed the stupid noise goes. 

Hi again Raj,
Might not get rid of the noise, apparently to be sure you need the adjuster doing at the same time?  That's what Midlands VW told me! I am going to get just the chain and tensioner done as I don't have the noise when warm.

Paul I'm gonna take the risk.  Gonna try get it in tomorrow and hope for the best.  I've read on here that it could potentially be something that never needs replacing unless it really really needs to.

I'll let you know how it goes. £450 is a massive saving.

[Ant b]

I recently had mine done but I bought all the parts Oem bit by bit over a while,and I also bought the adjuster and all the genuine tools as I found someone to fit it all really cheap

[Raj2212]

I recently had mine done but I bought all the parts Oem bit by bit over a while,and I also bought the adjuster and all the genuine tools as I found someone to fit it all really cheap

Hi Ant. Wish I could do it that way but I'm worried the rattle means it's time to fix it now rather than later. I can't risk the engine getting ruined it's had all it's main bits done so I'm thinking its best to fix the issue now. The first mechanic I took it to said the chain was stretched and it happens over time and best to get it sorted asap.
What did it cost you overall anyways for parts labour etc.

Can I still drive my car without something drastically happening ??
Don't want owt bad to happen. Have only had my gti 4 months

[Gtcpaul1971]

Good luck, let us know if it sorts it. 

[pudding]

You only need to replace the VVT adjuster if it no longer achieves requested cam angle targets (can be logged with VCDS) or is damaged during removal.   I think most garages who say it needs to be replaced are covering their arses because they know how easily the bolt rounds out.

[Raj2212]

  Just got my car back from the garage and it's the news I wanted.
The rattling noise once the car gets to temp has gone completely. And the overall sound of the engine I feel has quietened down, can just hear the fuel pump tapping like it should.

For anyone with the same issue highly recommend getting this done. They charged me £367.00 all in. And parts were all from TPS. Pretty decently priced compared to the other garages I took my car to. For anyone in West Yorkshire recommend going to these guys. Kings Tyres and Autocare - in Shipley.

 

[Gtcpaul1971]

Just got my car back from the garage and it's the news I wanted.
The rattling noise once the car gets to temp has gone completely. And the overall sound of the engine I feel has quietened down, can just hear the fuel pump tapping like it should.

For anyone with the same issue highly recommend getting this done. They charged me £367.00 all in. And parts were all from TPS. Pretty decently priced compared to the other garages I took my car to. For anyone in West Yorkshire recommend going to these guys. Kings Tyres and Autocare - in Shipley.

 

Brilliant news!
I ended up having to have a new radiator and alternator wheel pulley while having the new radiator fans, thermostat and turbo pipe. Another £500 spent. That's £1100 in 2 weeks 😣
I still need timing chain doing too!

[Raj2212]

Thanks @Gtcpaul1971
Well chuffed with the result and I saved £450 by leaving the adjuster out  I feel for you mate. Money pit !!! But well worth it once they're up to scratch. Hope you get yours sorted. 

[Juliand]

Good news and a very helpful set of postings. A big worry this is. I too thought the adjuster needed replacing as part of the job, but seems not necessarily so. I'm only on 39000, and low mileage user, so hopefully a few more years to go. Cheers

[Raj2212]

Good news and a very helpful set of postings. A big worry this is. I too thought the adjuster needed replacing as part of the job, but seems not necessarily so. I'm only on 39000, and low mileage user, so hopefully a few more years to go. Cheers

Thanks Julian,  had mine done on 105K. - I read up a few posts before thinking about leaving the adjuster, worked out for the better on this occasion