DIY - Cam Chain and Tensioner Guide

[Paulo P]

Worthwhile if you're planning on doing a few then, probably not so much if you only plan on doing it once 

[Lewo]

Another great guide write up, trouble is I was lost as soon as you got past opening the bonnet   

[rich83]

Another great guide write up, trouble is I was lost as soon as you got past opening the bonnet   

Thanks guys.

I was lost too.... I just loosened a load of bolts and hoped for the best. 

[pudding]

Really good guide!  You did quite a few common sense things that I failed to do, like marking the cams with a pen etc 

[Pesky jones]

The guide that I followed and I believe Dazza followed as well on vortex was good, but this is much more in depth and comprehensive. I reckon you've probably done a lot of people a big favour here rich, well done for taking the time to do it!

[rich83]

Thanks guys.

[shoaybmakda]

excellent write up - would love to have a go at this..my stumbling point currently is i have the AXX engine and my banjo bolt is quite cross threaded which i know if it comes to it is going to be a pain to take out 

[whitemoredooor]

Thank you for this info and attention to detail, i have these parts on order and will be doing this myself as soon as they arrive 

[ChazGTI]

Referenced this guide last month and fair play, it's very thorough. Definitely worth the extra effort of removing the battery.

[Pesky jones]

Yeah you dont wanna drop that last bolt on the cover

[whitemoredooor]

Ok folks, just stripped down the cam chain cover to find a tenstioner in bits ! also someone has already had a go at this job and the cam adjuster bolt has a very rounded head and i cant get anything on it to remove, can anyone help at all as the tensioner fell to bits and i cant get this back in without removing adjuster, tensioner was glued together  !!! whoever was in this before me needs a slap !

[rich83]

Depending on how mangeled the bolt head is... youll either have to try and use the OEM tool. or drill the bolt out

[whitemoredooor]

Depending on how mangeled the bolt head is... youll either have to try and use the OEM tool. or drill the bolt out

Got the bolt out with the use of a drill, when re-assembling i needed to rotate the intake cam very slightly, when you did it as i notice on your post that your intake cam was in a different position from when you started, did you have to make any adjustment prior to finishing the job? i have a very slight difference between the marks i made on the cams albeit very little.
Thanks in advance

[Pesky jones]

Is it all back together @whitemoredooor ?

You can check your timing via VCDS:

Block 91 or in advanced measuring blocks 91-3 & 91-4. These are camshaft adjustment REQUESTED and camshaft adjustment ACTUAL

if AXX - you should see 24KW requested, and +/- 1kw of the requested for actual so 23-25 kw

If BWA and some others (needs checking) - you should see 28KW requested, and +/- 1kw of the requested for actual so 27-29 kw

[rich83]

Providing both cams have rotated by the same amount then it should be fine.

If in doubt turn the engine over twice by hand with a long ratchet on the crank bolt.