Cam Follower - what is it and whatsxproblems does it cause

[Boothy]

Noticed a few posts on the cam follower recently, in particular it being replaced. I'm just curious as to what exactly this does and what sort of effects does a faulty one create?

Would like to know what to look out for if its common problem.

Ta.

[vRS Carl]

Some of the early engines had problems where the fuel pump piston would wear through the follower and impact directly on the cam-lobe eventually causing them to need replacing.

I think VAG changed the design of the lobe when the BWA engine came out (it may even have been earlier) and thus alleviated the problem somewhat.

I changed the follower on mine 4 times over 67k miles. One time I left it, due to work and forgetting, for 23k miles and it wasn't worn excessively.

However for the sake of a £25 part and 30mins work I used to change them as a matter of course. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure and I'd rather pay £25 every 10-15k miles than pay around £700 for a new Cam.

Some people have never changed them and they have been fine so I don't think it's anything to majorly worry about but it's defo worth checking especially if you hav an AXX engine.

[Boothy]

Would there be any tell tale signs if it was failing or had worn? Could it anyway be linked to poor fuel consumption by anychance?

[vRS Carl]

I don't believe there are any warning signs until it's too late. 

Hence the reason I used to change mine periodically.

[Boothy]

Oh dear. Will get it checked as soon as then. Cheers bud 

[lingenfelter]

I don't believe there are any warning signs until it's too late. 

Hence the reason I used to change mine periodically.

I change it every 5k miles approximatelly

[Gene Hunt]

I don't believe there are any warning signs until it's too late. 

Hence the reason I used to change mine periodically.

.........there is,if you remove it you can see signs of wear.I think there is some sort of coating that shows signs.

[vRS Carl]

I assumed that Boothy was meaning warning signs from the normal day to day running of the car. So i was referring to the fact that there are no warning signs that indicate it is wearing unless you strip it apart.

[alexperkins]

I don't believe there are any warning signs until it's too late. 

Hence the reason I used to change mine periodically.

.........there is,if you remove it you can see signs of wear.I think there is some sort of coating that shows signs.

The cam follower has a DLC (diamond like coating) which is black. If this starts to wear away to silver metal its time to replace as once the metal is exposed, it wears alot faster

[rich83]

How much is it to have these replaced?

[alexperkins]

£26ish+VAT for the part.

I did mine and steves the other day. Took 5 mins 

[vRS Carl]

Part costs £25 approx and 30mins work yourself

[rich83]

£26ish+VAT for the part.

I did mine and steves the other day. Took 5 mins 

Is there a how to? 

[alexperkins]

There is, but I havent got the link lol. I think its at the top of the How To section

Be prepared to get covered in petrol even with the pressure released 

[rich83]

There is, but I havent got the link lol. I think its at the top of the How To section

Be prepared to get covered in petrol even with the pressure released 

Not a job to be done whilst smoking a pipe then!