MetalMan and Hiwords have both helped me determine that my loud engine is the result of a cam tensioner in need of replacement. I'm a DIYer for small jobs but this is way out of my league. What's a reasonable amount to pay a shop to fix it? I have some things I need taken care of but this job takes priority. Also anyone buy the tensioner from the link below? It's the cheapest one I found, $70 with free shipping.

Thanks-Sulaiman

VW & AUDI 1.8T 1.8 CAM CAMSHAFT TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER | eBay

 

Dont buy cheap stuff on ebay that has to deal with timing. I know it may cost more to buy from a reputable dealer, but its a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing a top end. Just a little advice.

 

As for a dealer cost, it's ridiculous. Guys have come to me for replacement of a CCT with quotes of $1000 or more. You can get a quality part online for less than $275. Dealers rely on it being timing related to scare the crap out of you and get you to hand over the keys. FYI, when you know what you're doing, it's about 2-2.5 hours to work carefully and change the part.

 

This is the perfect example of a job that I would bring to my independent Audi mechanic. It's beyond my skill set/comfort zone.

So if you have a reputable indy Audi mechanic in your area, I would take it to him. I agree with the others who state to stay away from the dealer and from parts on eBay. Try something like this from a reputable auto parts vendor.

 

We sell the OEM Audi 058-109-217-B for 161.25, in stock plus 10.00 UPS shipping. Tensioner for a B5 1.8 engine. It's hard to say what brand that ebay one is, but you know you are getting the Audi part when you buy from us.

 

lol I didn't mean go to a dealership to get it fixed. I meant buy it from reputable company like ecs or something like that.

 

I got an extra lying around. I believe it to be almost brand new as the pads didn't even have marks from the chain in them. I can't use it as the motor I'm building is vvt so id let it go for cheap

 

I have posted the instructions to change the timing chain tensioner and timing chain on my blog at Audi Repair Blog (Audi Reparatur Blog): STEP BY STEP AUDI TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER REPLACEMENT

 

Very nice! If you could add some pics that would be even better.