Cam Chain, Tensioner & Adjuster DIY Attempt

[dazza]

So i started on the cam chain and tensioner today.

Thanks to @vRSAlex for helping with a few pointers.

Everything is now disconnected from the valve cover and the hpfp is off. I forgot how much of a pita the banjo bolt on the hpfp was.

I've loosened all the screws in the top of the valve cover and removed the two on the left. But it wont budge. Any tricks or a safe place to put a pry bar??

[doylebros]

Tap the cover with a plastic mallet up and down its length until it's tone changes would be my first choice of tools,rather than a pry bar!

[dazza]

Thanks mate i will give it a go. So i don't need to fully remove the screws in the top of the valve cover?

[doylebros]

Best practice is to loosen the cylinder head cover working from the outside inwards.

They do get a good hold but the mallet technique will work just persist!

I can email you the Elsawin how to if you PM with your details!

[dazza]

The screws on the exhaust side were so loose could have taken them out by hand. I will try the mallet.

[vRSAlex]

Thanks mate i will give it a go. So i don't need to fully remove the screws in the top of the valve cover?

The screws sit into the gasket so don't need to come out.  Depending on the age of the car they can be an arse to get off.  I had to use the titan of pry bars on one yesterday.

[Tfsi_Mike]

I had a nightmare removing the cam cover cause I assumed I'd undone the bolts all the way.

A couple where in by a thread or two. Once you're 100%!theu are all fully undone, carefully tap with a nylon hammer

[dazza]

Thanks guys it makes me feel a bit better when i know that other have had the same problem. I think all the screws are loose not touched the ones on the right hand side yet. Will double check and give it some hammer.

[dazza]

So 25 mins of hammering and nothing. Took the pry bar to the right hand side and it popped off.

This is where i am at now.
The wobble bar extensions i bought are a must have. Especially the 1/4 inch ones.



Hope the wife does not see the t-shirts her parents bought me.

The chain seems under tension so i'm probably wasting my time. Any way to tell if its fuc*ed?

A couple of things slight marks on inlet cam?



Is the adjuster supposed to be all scratched up?



When i break it or can't put it back together anyone fancy a trip to Barcelona?

[dazza]

I don't really know what to do now. Been reading a lot of posts regarding the 05 AXX engine and a lot of people have said changing the chain and tensioner did not solve the noise. And the adjuster was to blame.

I will be gutted if after all this work there is no change.

Options.
Install new chain and tensioner see what happens?
Purchase adjuster and cover?

Thanks guys don't think i would have got this far without your help.
@vRSAlex

[muff1991]

I don't really know what to do now. Been reading a lot of posts regarding the 05 AXX engine and a lot of people have said changing the chain and tensioner did not solve the noise. And the adjuster was to blame.

I will be gutted if after all this work there is no change.

Options.
Install new chain and tensioner see what happens?
Purchase adjuster and cover?

Thanks guys don't think i would have got this far without your help.
@vRSAlex

how much is a new adjuster etc... while your already that far through, if you can afford it why not replace the other couple of bits and fingers crossed it will all be done and you wont have to do it again?

just my pennies worth :)

[dazza]

Im in spain the stealers quoted €550 for the adjuster but i think i may also need the housing? Maybe someone on here can get me a better price?

If i did have to do it again at least i would know what i'm doing.

[muff1991]

that's very true, maybe do what was originally planned... see if it fixes your problem and if not you know you got no choice to do the adjuster.

[dazza]

Yep no point dropping that amount of cash if i don't have to. Now the fun starts hopefully i don't break it.

[muff1991]

you'll be fine, I hate messing around with stuff like that but just gotta get ya head stuck in and take your time, do it right... do it once :)