VW Tiguan 125TSI 2011 Timing Chain Tensioner

[alexjan]

Hi all,

I've bought a Tiguan 2011 125TSI at 88500km. The Tiggy was well serviced by the previous owner, for instance, Haldex Coupling Oil @ 45k, 84k, Spark Plugs @ 60k, Brake Fluid @ 30k, 60k.

The upcoming service would be, as written down as "oil change" by VW Doncaster from the last service, at 99k or October 2018 (for the 105k interval, I guess). Thanks to tigger73, I'm now aware of the problem with the timing chain tensioner. As a result, I thought it would be good to also inspect the tensioner, and change to the new version as precaution, at the 99k/105k service.

Here is some major tasks I researched around (from vwwatercooled and others) and plan for this 99k (105k) service milestone.

* Oil (Oil + filter change)
* Brake fluid change
* Timing chain tensioner
* Coolant flush
* Transmission (DSG?) oil change.

I will contact a VW Dealer or Independent Specialist for the aforementioned services (other minor things like wipers, air filters I may try on my own).

I would like to hear your suggestion regarding the following aspects:

1. Apart from that, what else would you suggest to combine in this 99k/105k service?

2. What parts of the timing chain tensioner should be changed/upgraded? (Perhaps I will look around to order the parts to save some $$$).

Thank you for your time.
Alex

[Umai Naa!!]

Unfortunately, it's not just a simple job of replacing just the tensioner.

By the time you've pulled the lower chain cover off to access it, which is single-use, meaning new cover plus the correct sealant, you may as well do the whole job properly, and replace the upper and lower timing chains and all the guides. The guides wear, the leading edges break off, and the chains wear to the point of growing in length.

It's not the kind of thing you'd do half-hearted.

[alexjan]

Unfortunately, it's not just a simple job of replacing just the tensioner.

By the time you've pulled the lower chain cover off to access it, which is single-use, meaning new cover plus the correct sealant, you may as well do the whole job properly, and replace the upper and lower timing chains and all the guides. The guides wear, the leading edges break off, and the chains wear to the point of growing in length.

It's not the kind of thing you'd do half-hearted.

Many thanks Umai Naa!! for your inputs. I have talked to a (non-VW) mechanic and he has enlightened me a bit on the complexity of inspecting/changing the tensioner. I'm by no means a mechanic and do not plan to carry on these services on my own, but rather with a dealer or an independent. I've just tried to figure out some parts that I may order somewhere beforehand to save some $$$ or perhaps avoid some overpricing workshops. Nevertheless, I would invest sufficiently to make sure quality of service as I drive not only for me myself but the whole family.

Btw, do you have any suggestions for additional necessary services?

Alex.

PS: I rephrased my original post a bit to clarify my intention.